ECM-Like Adhesive Hydrogel for the Regeneration of Large Corneal Stromal Defects

The repair of large-diameter corneal stroma defects is a major clinical problem. Although some studies have attempted to use hydrogels to repair corneal damage, most of these hydrogels can only be used for focal stromal defects that are ≤3.5 mm in diameter due to poor hydrogel adhesion. Here, a photocurable adhesive hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) with regard to composition for repairing 6 mm-diameter corneal stromal defects in rabbits is investigated. This ECM-like adhesive can be rapidly cured after light exposure, with high light transmittance and good mechanical properties. More importantly, this hydrogel maintains the viability and adhesion of cornea-derived cells and promotes their migration in vitro in 2D and 3D culture environments. Proteomics analysis confirms that the hydrogel promotes cell proliferation and ECM synthesis. Furthermore, in rabbit corneal stromal defect repair experiments, it is proven by histological and proteomic analysis that this hydrogel can effectively promote corneal stroma repair, reduce scar formation, and increase corneal stromal-neural regeneration at the six months follow-up. This work demonstrates the great application of ECM-like adhesive hydrogels for the regeneration of large-diameter corneal defects.