In vitro biocompatibility of a platinum-electrode embedded photosensitive polyimide (Durimide) retinal prosthesis.

Purpose: The photosensitive polyimide film, Durimide, is a common component of retinal prostheses; however, retinal cell response to Durimide has not been effectively studied This work assessed the in vitro biocompatibility of a retinal prosthesis containing platinum-electrode embedded Durimide film.Materials and methods: Biocompatibility evaluation assessed cytotoxicity, attachment, and proliferation of two cell lines: a human retinal pigmented epithelium cell line (CRL) and a rhesus monkey choroid- retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A). Cells were cultured with the platinum-electrode embedded Durimide film, with tissue-culture treated polystyrene plates (TCPS) used as a control substrate for cell growth. The effect of a Durimide-exposed medium on cell apoptosis and life cycle was assessed using flow cytometry (FCM).Results: The indirect cytotoxicity evaluation revealed no toxic effect of the prosthesis on cells. The attachment and proliferation of CRL and RF/6A cells cultured with the Durimide prosthese...