Human macrophage adhesion is significantly higher on SIBS based glaucoma microshunts than on common intraocular lens materials in vitro

This in vitro study investigated the adhesion of human human monocytes / macrophages (MΦ) to poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS)-based PreserFlo® MicroShunts, as macrophage interactions can significantly influence microimplant success. For this, purified human MΦ were cultured for 35 days on SIBS-based PreserFlo® MicroShunts and compared against control intraocular lens (IOL) materials (PMMA and hydrophilic acrylate). We found significantly higher MΦ adhesion on the PreserFlo® MicroShunts than on PMMA or hydrophilic acrylic IOLs (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the surface properties of the SIBS-based MicroShunt promote greater MΦ adhesion in vitro compared to commercial IOLs under the conditions tested. This differential adhesion could have implications for the long-term performance of the implant, particularly in uveitic eyes. While increased MΦ adhesion is a known component of the foreign body response, further functional analysis of the macrophage secretome and polarization state (M1 vs. M2) is required to confirm whether this leads to clinically significant fibrosis. Furthermore, in vivo studies are required to elucidate the specific impact of these interactions on long-term clinical performance in uveitic eyes.