Engineered Extraocular Muscle with Decellularized Tissue and Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers: Design, Properties,...

The study aims to develop graft materials suitable for treating severe muscle loss and thyroid ophthalmopathy. A new hybrid graft combining poly(caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and decellularized bovine extraocular muscle (dEOM) was created. PLGA membranes were formed via solvent casting, and aligned PCL (aPCL) nanofibers were electrospun onto these membranes, resulting in aPCL-PLGA. Lyophilized dEOM was then powdered and deposited onto the aPCL-PLGA membranes through gelation, creating g-dEOM/aPCL-PLGA grafts. These three-layer grafts were characterized physically and chemically, and their muscle regeneration capabilities were assessed through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro results showed that the materials supported mouse myoblast cell (C2C12) adhesion and proliferation. For in vivo studies, 30 rabbits underwent surgical procedures to create muscle defects, and tissue samples were collected after 15 and 45 days for analysis. Electrophysiological tests and immunohistological studies indicated that both dEOM and the hybrid graft supported the regeneration of extraocular muscles, enhancing surgical efficacy and providing a viable alternative to autografts by promoting regular fiber development over time.