[New possibilities for ocular surface reconstruction: collagen membranes and biocompatible elastomer nanofibers]

Amniotic membranes have been used for many years for reconstruction of the ocular surface. Despite having anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties as well as being suitable as a carrier for corneal epithelial cells, amniotic membranes also have some limitations for use at the human cornea: availability is limited, there are major interindividual variations in structure and growth factor content and are not free from the risk of disease transmission. Progress in tissue engineering has been made aiming at the development and improvement of alternative biomaterials.

This article presents new approaches for reconstruction of the corneal surface with collagen-based biomaterials and polymers.

Electronic databases were searched for articles which evaluated collagenous biomaterials for use at the corneal surface. In addition the authors' own experiences with novel biomaterials are described.

In vitro evaluation of the described biomaterials suggested a high biocompatibility with corneal epithelial cells in cell cultures. In vivo experiments with these materials in animal corneas demonstrated a certain variability in degradation and remodeling. Although some materials showed promising experimental results none of these are established in the clinical routine and only few clinical studies have so far been conducted with collagen-based biomaterials.

Although the majority of the described biomaterials are currently still in the experimental stage, a transfer into the clinical routine is conceivable and of great therapeutic interest.