Original Paper

Evaluation of Megacell MEM as a Storage Medium for Corneas Destined for Transplantation
Valerie A. Smith^a, Terrell Johnson<sup>b

a</sup>University of Bristol, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK;
^bSAFC Biosciences, St. Louis, Mo., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmic Res 2010;43:18-25 (DOI: 10.1159/000246574)

  Key Words

• Cornea
• Corneal organ culture medium
• Corneal transplant
• Corneal endothelium
• Epithelial cells
• Keratocytes

  Abstract

Purpose: Gibco's Minimum Essential Medium with Earle's salts and HEPES supplemented with glutamine, antibiotics (EB MEM) and 2% foetal calf serum (FCS) is used in European eye banks to store corneas. Although FCS is important to endothelial cell survival in this medium, it is a potential biohazard. Megacell MEM, formulated to reduce the FCS requirement of cells by a factor of 5, has therefore been evaluated as a corneal storage medium. Methods: Corneal stromal and epithelial cells were incubated in Megacell MEM (serum-free or 2% FCS) to assess their viability in these media. Endothelial cell densities of paired corneas held in either EB MEM 2% FCS or Megacell MEM (serum-free or 2% FCS) were measured over 5 weeks. Discs subsequently punched from the centre of these corneas were weighed, dried and reweighed to determine hydration levels. Results: Both corneal stromal and epithelial cells proliferated in Megacell MEM 2% FCS. Relative to EB MEM, 2% FCS Megacell MEM prolonged the viability of corneal endothelial cells and improved their morphological appearance, irrespective of whether it contained FCS or not. This was independent of corneal swelling. Conclusion: Serum-free Megacell MEM is a better storage medium than EB MEM 2% FCS for corneas destined for transplantation

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. V.A. Smith
University of Bristol, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology
Lower Maudlin Street
Bristol BS1 2LX (UK)
Tel. +44 117 928 4853, Fax +44 117 925 1421, E-Mail Val.Smith@bristol.ac.uk

  Article Information

Received: June 19, 2008
Accepted after revision: December 12, 2008
Published online: October 14, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 7, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 28