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The eggshell membrane: A potential biomaterial for corneal wound healing
Rosemond A Mensah1,2, Seung Bin Jo3, Hoon Kim3,4
1School of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications
|June 18, 2021
Summary
Eggshell membrane (ESM) shows promise as a sustainable biomaterial for wound dressings. Researchers optimized extraction and confirmed its biocompatibility for potential ophthalmic and biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a readily available waste product from global egg production.
- Its unique structure and properties suggest potential for biomaterial applications, particularly in wound healing.
- Current research lacks documented studies on ESM's use as a wound dressing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a reproducible protocol for extracting ESM.
- To characterize the physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of ESM for wound dressing applications.
- To evaluate the potential of ESM as a novel biomaterial for biomedical therapies.
Main Methods:
- ESM isolation via manual peeling or chemical extraction (acetic acid, EDTA).
- Characterization using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Assessment of material properties (transparency, porosity, fluid absorption, thermal stability, mechanical profiling) and in vitro biological studies with corneal cells.
Main Results:
- Optimized extraction protocols yielded pure ESM without calcium residues.
- FTIR confirmed no alteration of ESM's chemical structure by extraction methods.
- SEM revealed a distinct three-layer composite structure.
- Material properties were suitable for translational applications.
- In vitro studies demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with corneal epithelial and stromal cells.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel, sustainable biomaterial from eggshell membrane.
- ESM possesses suitable characteristics for use as a wound dressing.
- Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, supporting its potential for ophthalmic wounds and other biomedical uses.
