Hybrid nanostructured gadolinium oxide-collagen-dextran polymeric hydrogel for corneal repair and regeneration

A bio composite hydrogel containing collagen, dextran and rare earth metal nanoparticle, gadolinium oxide nanoparticle was prepared for corneal tissue regenerative application. Gadolinium oxide nanoparticles which are widely used in MRI scanning application are not much explored for tissue regenerative applications. The synthesized nanoparticles provided stability and therapeutic potential to collagen-dextran composite for achieving tissue regenerative potential. A good compatibility towards rabbit corneal fibroblast cells (SIRC) was observed with the hydrogel along with anti-proliferation property in aortic explants. The hydrogel down-regulated the VEGF-A gene expression in endothelial cells showing its ability to safe-guard the vision from corneal neovascularization. The expression of genes, ALDH1A1 and Vimentin needed for the well-being and enhanced proliferation of corneal cells was up-regulated upon treatment with the bio composite, while the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and COX-2 was down regulated. Faster regeneration and migration of corneal cells into abrasion area was observed with the bio composite in vitro. The explant studies confirmed the compatibility of bio composites towards corneal tissue as well as lens crystallin proteins. The results suggest the potential use of rare-earth metal nanoparticles-based bio composite biomaterials in repairing and regenerating corneal cells when used in combination with protein- polysaccharide biomacromolecules.