Composite Decellularized Corneal Hydrogel for Effective Corneal Injury Repair and Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Ophthalmology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Corneal stromal defect repair is challenging.
• Existing hydrogels lack structural similarity to natural corneal tissue.
• Corneal transplantation has limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a decellularized corneal hydrogel system (HCSL) mimicking natural corneal structure and function.
• To evaluate HCSL's mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and efficacy in corneal repair.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of HCSL using decellularized corneal stromal lenticules, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), and oxidized dextran (Odex).
• Photo-cross-linking of the hydrogel matrix under visible blue light.
• In vitro cell culture studies and in vivo rabbit corneal injury models.

Main Results:

• HCSL demonstrated superior mechanical strength, adhesion, optical transparency, and enzymatic resistance.
• In vitro studies confirmed HCSL's biocompatibility, promoting corneal stromal cell proliferation and phenotype preservation.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated epithelialization, enhanced corneal transparency, and reduced scar formation in rabbit corneal injury models.

Conclusions:

• The HCSL hydrogel effectively repairs corneal defects, mimicking native tissue structure and promoting regeneration.
• HCSL exhibits significant potential as a biomaterial alternative to corneal transplantation for treating corneal injuries.
• Further clinical applications in corneal repair and regeneration are warranted.