# Nanoperlite Particles Enhance Fibrogenesis in Thyroid Orbital Fibroblasts: A Potential Activated Cell Source for Ocular Tissue Engineering

## TL;DR

Nanoperlite particles at 1 μg/mL boost fibroblast activity in thyroid eye disease cells, offering potential for ocular tissue repair.

## Contribution

Demonstrates nanoperlite's concentration-dependent enhancement of fibrogenesis in thyroid orbital fibroblasts.

## Key findings

- Nanoperlite at 1 μg/mL significantly upregulated fibrogenesis-related genes in orbital fibroblasts.
- Higher nanoperlite concentration (10 μg/mL) did not show similar gene expression enhancement.
- Nanoperlite shows potential for ocular tissue engineering at specific low concentrations.

## Abstract

Fibroblasts are crucial in tissue engineering because of their ability to synthesize the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secrete growth factors. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) from patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) exhibit enhanced fibroblastic properties, making them ideal candidates for regenerative medicine in ocular tissue. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nanoperlite on TED OFs. Nanoperlite, with its unique properties including high silica (SiO2) content, holds promise for enhancing fibroblast functions. Nanoperlite was prepared and characterized in terms of particle size and chemical composition. A sample of orbital adipose tissue was taken from a TED patient during orbital decompression surgery and OFs were expanded in vitro. The cells were then treated with nanoperlite at concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/mL for 24 h, and gene expression related to the fibrogenesis process was assessed using real‐time PCR. Nanoperlite at 1 μg/mL significantly increased the expression of TGF‐β, CD90, α‐SMA, ZEB1, β‐Catenin, and Snail genes in OFs. However, at 10 μg/mL, this effect was not observed. This study highlights nanoperlite′s potential to enhance fibroblast activity specifically at the concentration of 1 μg/mL. This effect can potentially aid tissue engineering strategy for periorbital tissue repair and eyelid reconstruction. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile.