Limbal Stem Cells on Bacterial Nanocellulose Carriers for Ocular Surface Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Ophthalmology
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are crucial for ocular surface regeneration.
• Current LSC therapies face challenges in cell delivery, survival, and retention.
• Novel biomaterial carriers are needed to support LSC transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as a carrier for human embryonic stem cell-derived LSCs (hESC-LSCs).
• To functionalize BNC to improve cell-biomaterial interactions for enhanced LSC engraftment.
• To evaluate the potential of BNC-based constructs for ocular surface disorder treatments.

Main Methods:

• BNC substrates were plasma-activated and coated with Collagen IV and Laminin.
• Human embryonic stem cell-derived LSCs (hESC-LSCs) were cultured on functionalized BNC.
• Cell attachment, survival, and stemness were assessed.
• Ex vivo transplantation simulations were performed.

Main Results:

• Surface functionalization significantly improved hESC-LSC attachment and survival on BNC.
• BNC maintained its mechanical and optical properties post-functionalization.
• hESC-LSCs retained self-renewal and stemness characteristics for up to 21 days on BNC.
• Preliminary ex vivo tests showed promising results for transplantation.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized BNC is a viable and effective carrier for hESC-LSCs.
• BNC-based constructs hold potential for treating severe ocular surface pathologies.
• This study paves the way for developing advanced LSC therapies using BNC scaffolds.