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In situ Tissue Regeneration in the Cornea from Bench to Bedside
Bijay K Poudel1,2, Marie-Claude Robert1,2,3, Fiona C Simpson1,2,3,4
1Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Cells, Tissues, Organs
|August 11, 2021
Summary
Corneal blindness affects millions globally, especially in low-income regions. In situ tissue regeneration using biomaterials offers a promising alternative to corneal transplantation, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Corneal blindness is a significant global health issue, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income regions (LMIRs).
- Limited corneal graft availability and transplant programs hinder treatment in LMIRs, necessitating alternative solutions.
- Current treatments face challenges due to tissue shortages and accessibility, driving research into novel regenerative approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of in situ tissue regeneration for treating corneal blindness.
- To review advancements in biomaterial-based strategies for corneal repair and regeneration.
- To assess the efficacy of injectable, in situ gelling formulations and cell-free therapies for corneal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on corneal blindness and regenerative medicine strategies.
- Analysis of biomaterials like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and silk for corneal tissue engineering.
- Evaluation of in situ gelling formulations and cell-free therapies (exosomes, extracellular vesicles) for corneal repair.
Main Results:
- Solid corneal implants of recombinant human collagen type III promoted corneal regeneration in patients.
- Injectable, in situ gelling formulations based on collagen, collagen-mimetic, and gelatin demonstrated efficacy in repairing corneal defects in vivo.
- Cell-free therapies, including tolerogenic exosomes and extracellular vesicles, show potential for treating inflammatory corneal conditions.
Conclusions:
- In situ tissue regeneration, particularly with injectable formulations, presents a viable alternative to corneal transplantation.
- Biomaterial-based approaches and cell-free therapies hold significant promise for developing future medical devices and combination therapies for corneal blindness.
- Regenerative solutions offer a scalable and effective means to address corneal injuries and diseases, improving global patient outcomes.
