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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Combination of Microstereolithography and Electrospinning to Produce Membranes Equipped with Niches for Corneal Regeneration
Published on: September 12, 2014
Digital light processing programs shape-morphing hydrogels into undulating 3D scaffolds supporting corneal limbal
Ioannis Paschalidis1, François Chatelain2, Remy Agniel3
1Translational Research and Experimental Corneal Surgery (TREX), Hôpital Fondation A. de Rothschild, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Inserm, IRSL Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, U1342, Paris, France; CEA IRIG, Grenoble, France.
Researchers developed a simple bioprinting method to create 3D corneal scaffolds with undulating topography. This innovative approach supports corneal epithelial stem cell niche modeling for three weeks, advancing eye research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Corneal epithelial homeostasis relies on limbal stem cells in a niche with stromal invaginations.
- Existing in vitro limbal niche models are complex and difficult to scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, rapid strategy for fabricating 3D scaffolds mimicking the corneal stem cell niche topography.
- To create advanced in vitro corneal models for disease research and preclinical testing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using a photocrosslinkable bioink (methacrylated collagen, hyaluronic acid, silk fibroin) via Digital Light Processing (DLP).
- Spatially controlled heterogeneous crosslinking densities achieved through grayscale UV projection.
- Shape-morphing hydrogel concept utilizing differential shrinking dynamics at 37°C to create undulating topography.
Main Results:
- A single-step bioprinting process created 3D scaffolds with programmable undulating topography.
- Silk fibroin was crucial for shape-morphing and sustained corneal epithelial cell adhesion and growth.
- The scaffolds supported epithelial stratification, physiologically relevant mechanotransduction, and apicobasal organization for over three weeks.
- Demonstrated progressive epithelial maturation with CK3 expression, tight junctions, and basement membrane deposition.
Conclusions:
- Introduced an innovative, single-step bioprinting approach for complex topography scaffolds using DLP and shape-morphing hydrogels.
- Engineered advanced corneal models recapitulating the stem cell niche, reducing animal use.
- The model sustains long-term cultures and mimics physiological epithelial organization, supporting disease modeling and preclinical applications.
