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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Minced Tissue in Compressed Collagen: A Cell-containing Biotransplant for Single-staged Reconstructive Repair
Published on: February 24, 2016
Sutureless transplantation using a semi-interpenetrating polymer network bioadhesive for ocular surface
Jia Liu1, Yongrui Huang1, Weiya Yang1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
The conjunctiva covers the largest area of ocular surface and is responsible for tear balance and clear vision. After trauma or surgery, the conjunctiva is prone to scarring and contracture. Transplantation with suture often implies numerous complications, such as inflammation, suture erosion, granuloma. And the suture needs to be removed, which means a secondary trauma. In this study, a bioadhesive hydrogel (GMO) for sutureless conjunctival transplantation was developed based on a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN) consisting of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA). The maximum adhesion strength was 157 ± 17 kPa, and the burst pressure was 357 ± 29 kPa, which was 15 times higher than the human intraocular pressure (IOP). GMO bioadhesive hydrogel significantly improved surgical efficiency and secured the collagen scaffold firmly to a rabbit conjunctival defect. The sutureless transplantation approach revealed the promoted tissue repair without scar. In conclusion, GMO bioadhesive may be an attractive alternative to suture for ocular surface reconstruction by avoiding suture-related complications and improving clinical outcome. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Conjunctival tissue is prone to scarring and contracture after trauma, and surgery with sutures often implies numerous complications. In this study, the ocular surface reconstruction was achieved by sutureless transplantation of conjunctival scaffold using bioadhesive hydrogel. The prepared GMO bioadhesive based on the semi-interpenetrating network of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) had favorable adhesion and mechanical properties. The sutureless transplantation approach significantly improved the operation efficiency, avoided suture-related complications, and promoted the regeneration of conjunctiva. This study highlights the great potential of the sutureless repair strategy for clinical application in ocular surface reconstruction.
