Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
05:20
Growth of Human and Sheep Corneal Endothelial Cell Layers on Biomaterial Membranes
Published on: February 6, 2020
8.2K
Bioinspired Tissue Transparency: Achieving Sclera-to-Cornea Transplantation
Xiuli Sun1, Long Zhao2, Zhen Shi2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, P. R. China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|January 5, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel tissue-clearing method, decellularization-compression-locking tactic (DCLT), to create transparent human soft tissues. This bio-inspired approach yields transparent, bioactive tissue grafts for corneal repair, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Human soft tissues offer potential for corneal repair but are limited by opacity.
- Existing tissue-clearing methods often compromise bioactivity or rely on harsh reagents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a bio-inspired decellularization-compression-locking tactic (DCLT) for effective tissue clearing.
- To develop transparent decellularized human sclera (hTDS) as a corneal substitute.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of hTDS in models of complex corneal injuries.
Main Methods:
- Developed a decellularization-compression-locking tactic (DCLT) for biological soft tissue clearing.
- Fabricated transparent decellularized human sclera (hTDS) using DCLT.
- Assessed optical clarity, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and therapeutic outcomes in corneal injury models.
Main Results:
- DCLT achieved long-term transparency (>80% light transmittance) while preserving native bioactivity.
- hTDS exhibited optical clarity, mechanical reinforcement, and resistance to degradation.
- hTDS promoted wound healing and restored optical function in various corneal injury models.
- hTDS demonstrated superior anti-angiogenic and anti-fibrotic effects compared to donor corneas in inflamed ocular surfaces.
Conclusions:
- DCLT is a simple, effective, and safe strategy for creating transparent biological tissues.
- hTDS is a promising tissue-engineered solution for allogeneic corneal transplantation.
- This approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods for corneal repair and tissue engineering.
