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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea
07:35

Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea

Published on: January 24, 2018

Recombinant human collagen for tissue engineered corneal substitutes.

Wenguang Liu1, Kimberley Merrett, May Griffith

  • 1Deptartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Biomaterials
|December 14, 2007
PubMed
Summary

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Researchers developed transparent, robust hydrogels from recombinant human collagens as potential corneal substitutes. These biocompatible materials show promise for regenerating corneal tissue and eliminating risks associated with animal-derived collagen implants.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Ophthalmology
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • Corneal diseases pose a significant threat to vision globally.
  • Current treatments often rely on donor corneas, which have limited availability and risks of immune rejection or pathogen transmission.
  • Development of artificial corneal substitutes is crucial for addressing this unmet clinical need.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To fabricate and characterize transparent, robust hydrogels from recombinant human collagens (Type I and Type III) for use as corneal substitutes.
  • To evaluate the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and tissue regeneration potential of these collagen-based hydrogels in vitro and in vivo.
  • To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of recombinant collagen hydrogels as corneal implants.

Main Methods:

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Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model
08:43

Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model

Published on: February 7, 2018

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea
07:35

Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea

Published on: January 24, 2018

Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model
08:43

Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model

Published on: February 7, 2018

  • Fabrication of hydrogels using concentrated recombinant human type I and type III collagen solutions.
  • Crosslinking of collagen solutions with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS).
  • Assessment of optical properties (white light transmission), mechanical strength (tensile strength, elasticity), and biocompatibility (in vitro epithelium and nerve over-growth).
  • In vivo implantation of type I collagen hydrogels into mini-pigs for 12 months, followed by evaluation of optical clarity and tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

  • Transparent hydrogels comparable or superior in white light transmission to human corneas were successfully fabricated.
  • Both type I and type III collagen hydrogels supported in vitro epithelium and nerve over-growth.
  • Hydrogels exhibited adequate tensile strength and elasticity for surgical manipulation, with type III collagen showing superior mechanical properties.
  • Twelve-month implantation in mini-pigs demonstrated retention of optical clarity and regeneration of corneal cells, nerves, and tear film.

Conclusions:

  • Recombinant human collagen hydrogels are promising transparent and robust materials for corneal substitution.
  • These hydrogels promote corneal tissue regeneration and possess suitable mechanical properties for surgical applications.
  • Utilizing recombinant human collagen eliminates risks of pathogen transfer and xenogeneic immune responses, offering a safer alternative to animal-derived collagens for clinical use.