Ultrathin Electrospun Poly(γ-benzyl- l -glutamate) Nanofibrous Membranes for Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Cultivation

This study presents the preparation of ultrathin poly-(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) nanofibrous membranes (PBLG-NfMs), approximately 5.1 μm thick, engineered as scaffolds for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell cultivation. PBLG-NfMs exhibited high porosity and large pores. To enhance bioactivity, the membranes were modified using air plasma treatment to improve wettability, followed by modification with fibronectin, a key extracellular matrix protein that promotes cell adhesion and migration. Fibronectin adsorption and its uniform distribution across the nanofiber network were proven by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. In vitro studies have demonstrated that such synthetic poly-(α-amino acid)-based membranes effectively support RPE cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation. Furthermore, immunocytochemical staining confirmed the expression of RPE-specific markers ZO-1 and RPE65, indicating preserved epithelial phenotype and functionality. These results highlight the potential of fibronectin-coated PBLG-NfMs as promising scaffolds for eye tissue engineering.