Surface modified electrospun scaffold supports iPSC-derived limbal stem cell function

This study focuses on the development of an electrospun Poly Lactide-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) scaffold for ocular surface regeneration, specifically for the treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). The scaffold is designed to support the attachment, proliferation, and maintenance of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived limbal stem cells (iPSC-LSCs). To address the hydrophobic nature of PLGA and enhance biocompatibility, the scaffold surface was functionalized with extracellular matrix proteins, specifically Collagen IV and Laminin-521, through atmospheric plasma treatment. Micro-perforations were introduced using laser cutting to improve transparency and membrane permeability. Results indicate that Laminin-521 is essential for iPSC-LSC attachment and survival, with enhanced expression of LSC stemness markers and corneal epithelial differentiation markers observed on the functionalized scaffold. These findings suggest that this scaffold can serve as a viable platform for iPSC-LSC transplantation. Future work will focus on refining scaffold design parameters and conducting in vivo studies to assess therapeutic efficacy.