Organotypic culture model of mouse meibomian gland as a screening platform for risk factors related to meibomian gland dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Meibomian glands (MGs) are crucial for maintaining tear film stability and ocular surface health. Here, we aim to establish a novel organotypic culture model of MGs and explore the risk factors of MG dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: We developed a novel organotypic culture model for MGs at the air-liquid interface. The viability and cell proliferation of MGs were assessed using CCK-8, immunofluorescence, and qPCR. Lipid accumulation was evaluated by Nile red staining and microscopic examination. Protein expression levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blot assay. EdU assay was employed to track the proliferation of acinar cells. The validity of the model was confirmed through culturing MGs from mice of different ages and incorporating certain drugs (Dex) into the culture system. RESULTS: Utilizing the novel culture model, the MG tissue exhibited sustained viability, cellular division, and continuous production of lipids for a duration of 7 days. Lipid droplets formed were directly visualized using light field microscopy. Through the cultivation of aged mice's MGs, it was discovered that aging resulted in diminished proliferation and lipid synthesis, along with an aberrant increase in Krt10 expression. Further application of this model showed that Dex treatment diminished MG's proliferation and lipid synthesis. Finally, an in vivo study was conducted to provide additional confirmation of the phenomenon of Dex-induced abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a stable organotypic culture model of the MGs was established. The organotypic culture model offers a valuable tool to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms and facilitate drug screening for MG-related diseases.

Amine-Functionalized Natural Halloysite Nanotubes Supported Metallic (Pd, Au, Ag) Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Performance for Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid.

In today's age of resource scarcity, the low-cost development and utilization of renewable energy, e.g., hydrogen energy, have attracted much attention in the world. In this work, cheap natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and the functionalized HNTs were used as to support metal (Pd, Au, Ag) catalysts for dehydrogenation of formic acid (DFA). The supports and fabricated catalysts were characterized with ICP, FT-IR, XRD, XPS and TEM. The functional groups facilitate the anchoring of metal particles to the supports, which brings about the high dispersion of metallic particles in catalysts. The catalysts show high activity against DFA and exhibit selectivity of 100% toward H2 at room temperature or less. The interactions between active centers and supports were investigated by evaluation and comparison of the catalytic performances of Pd/NH2-HNTs, PdAg/NH2-HNTs and PdAu/NH2-HNTs for DFA.