Bioreactor design for cornea tissue engineering: Material–cell interactions

Several materials were evaluated for potential use in a bioreactor system for a tissue-engineered cornea. Two types of cytotoxicity tests were performed using human corneal stromal fibroblasts: a 24 h cytotoxicity test based on the ASTM standard F813-01 and a 7 days growth inhibition test. It was determined that culture configuration, autoclaving and materials surface preparation were all important factors influencing cell viability. Poly(etheretherketone) and titanium–6Al–4V were found to be the most appropriate materials for use in a corneal bioreactor system. Furthermore, poly(oxymethylene) copolymer and poly(tetrafluoroethlylene) are not safe for use with human corneal fibroblasts after autoclaving.