1
|
Xie L, Dong X, Ji J, Ouyang C, Wu J, Hou C, Huang T. Fabrication of bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts using an allogeneic cornea-derived matrix. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:101003. [PMID: 38434572 PMCID: PMC10907766 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial keratoplasty has been the primary treatment method of endothelial decompensation, but it is often limited in clinical practice due to global shortage of donor cornea. Here, we explored using an ultra-thin allogeneic cornea-derived matrix (uACM) films as a substrate for constructing bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts. We evaluated the films' optical, mechanical, and structural properties, and measured the composition of the extracellular matrix. The uACM was an ultrathin and curved cornea-shaped film with favorable optical and mechanical properties. The fabrication process efficiently preserved corneal extracellular matrix composition and significantly decreased cellular components. Moreover, human corneal endothelial cells and rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) can adhere and grow on the uACM films with a positive expression of the corneal endothelial functional markers Na+/K+-ATPase and ZO-1. The successful transplantation of uACM with RCECs grafts into the rabbit model of endothelial dysfunction via Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty resulted in prompt restoration of corneal transparency and thickness. During the four-week follow-up period, the uACM with RCECs implanted eyes exhibited comparable corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count to that of the healthy rabbit. Histologic examination revealed that the grafts were successfully attached and integrated onto the posterior surface of the corneal stroma. The uACM achieved biomimetic reconstruction in terms of both composition and structure, and can be used to construct the bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts. These results indicate that constructing bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts from discarded human corneal tissues may pave the way for generating high-quality corneal endothelial grafts for transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Xie
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Puistola P, Miettinen S, Skottman H, Mörö A. Novel strategy for multi-material 3D bioprinting of human stem cell based corneal stroma with heterogenous design. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100924. [PMID: 38226015 PMCID: PMC10788621 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers an automated, customizable solution to manufacture highly detailed 3D tissue constructs and holds great promise for regenerative medicine to solve the severe global shortage of donor tissues and organs. However, uni-material 3D bioprinting is not sufficient for manufacturing heterogenous 3D constructs with native-like microstructures and thus, innovative multi-material solutions are required. Here, we developed a novel multi-material 3D bioprinting strategy for bioprinting human corneal stroma. The human cornea is the transparent outer layer of your eye, and vision loss due to corneal blindness has serious effects on the quality of life of individuals. One of the main reasons for corneal blindness is the damage in the detailed organization of the corneal stroma where collagen fibrils are arranged in layers perpendicular to each other and the corneal stromal cells grow along the fibrils. Donor corneas for treating corneal blindness are scarce, and the current tissue engineering (TE) technologies cannot produce artificial corneas with the complex microstructure of native corneal stroma. To address this, we developed a novel multi-material 3D bioprinting strategy to mimic detailed organization of corneal stroma. These multi-material 3D structures with heterogenous design were bioprinted by using human adipose tissue -derived stem cells (hASCs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) -based bioinks with varying stiffnesses. In our novel design of 3D models, acellular stiffer HA-bioink and cell-laden softer HA-bioink were printed in alternating filaments, and the filaments were printed perpendicularly in alternating layers. The multi-material bioprinting strategy was applied for the first time in corneal stroma 3D bioprinting to mimic the native microstructure. As a result, the soft bioink promoted cellular growth and tissue formation of hASCs in the multi-material 3D bioprinted composites, whereas the stiff bioink provided mechanical support as well as guidance of cellular organization upon culture. Interestingly, cellular growth and tissue formation altered the mechanical properties of the bioprinted composite constructs significantly. Importantly, the bioprinted composite structures showed good integration to the host tissue in ex vivo cornea organ culture model. As a conclusion, the developed multi-material bioprinting strategy provides great potential as a biofabrication solution for manufacturing organized, heterogenous microstructures of native tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this multi-material bioprinting strategy has never been applied in corneal bioprinting. Therefore, our work advances the technological achievements in additive manufacturing and brings the field of corneal TE to a new level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Puistola
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Anni Mörö
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Shakeel A, Salih AE, Vurivi H, Daoud S, Desidery L, Khan RL, Shibru MG, Ali ZM, Butt H, Chan V, Corridon PR. A scalable corneal xenograft platform: simultaneous opportunities for tissue engineering and circular economic sustainability by repurposing slaughterhouse waste. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1133122. [PMID: 37180037 PMCID: PMC10168539 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1133122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Corneal disease is a leading cause of blindness globally that stems from various etiologies. High-throughput platforms that can generate substantial quantities of corneal grafts will be invaluable in addressing the existing global demand for keratoplasty. Slaughterhouses generate substantial quantities of underutilized biological waste that can be repurposed to reduce current environmentally unfriendly practices. Such efforts to support sustainability can simultaneously drive the development of bioartificial keratoprostheses. Methods: Scores of discarded eyes from the prominent Arabian sheep breeds in our surrounding region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were repurposed to generate native and acellular corneal keratoprostheses. Acellular corneal scaffolds were created using a whole-eye immersion/agitation-based decellularization technique with a widely available, eco-friendly, and inexpensive 4% zwitterionic biosurfactant solution (Ecover, Malle, Belgium). Conventional approaches like DNA quantification, ECM fibril organization, scaffold dimensions, ocular transparency and transmittance, surface tension measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to examine corneal scaffold composition. Results: Using this high-throughput system, we effectively removed over 95% of the native DNA from native corneas while retaining the innate microarchitecture that supported substantial light transmission (over 70%) after reversing opacity, a well-established hallmark of decellularization and long-term native corneal storage, with glycerol. FTIR data revealed the absence of spectral peaks in the frequency range 2849 cm-1 to 3075 cm-1, indicating the effective removal of the residual biosurfactant post-decellularization. Surface tension studies confirmed the FTIR data by capturing the surfactant's progressive and effectual removal through tension measurements ranging from approximately 35 mN/m for the 4% decellularizing agent to 70 mN/m for elutes highlighting the effective removal of the detergent. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first dataset to be generated outlining a platform that can produce dozens of ovine acellular corneal scaffolds that effectively preserve ocular transparency, transmittance, and ECM components using an eco-friendly surfactant. Analogously, decellularization technologies can support corneal regeneration with attributes comparable to native xenografts. Thus, this study presents a simplified, inexpensive, and scalable high-throughput corneal xenograft platform to support tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and circular economic sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adeeba Shakeel
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed E. Salih
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hema Vurivi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sayel Daoud
- Anatomical Pathology Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Luca Desidery
- Department of Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raheema L. Khan
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Meklit G. Shibru
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zehara M. Ali
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haider Butt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vincent Chan
- Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Peter R. Corridon
- Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Xu L, Zhao J, Liang J, Zhang Z, Li Q, Zhang J, Wan P, Wu Z. Reconstructing auto tissue engineering lamellar cornea with aspartic acid modified acellular porcine corneal stroma and preconditioned limbal stem cell for corneal regeneration. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
5
|
Liu Y, Zhang C, Kong Y, Liu H, Guo J, Yang H, Deng L. Modification of Collagen Film via Surface Grafting of Taurine Molecular to Promote Corneal Nerve Repair and Epithelization Process. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13030098. [PMID: 35893466 PMCID: PMC9326765 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13030098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal defects can seriously affect human vision, and keratoplasty is the most widely accepted therapy method for visual rehabilitation. Currently, effective treatment for clinical patients has been restricted due to a serious shortage of donated cornea tissue and high-quality artificial repair materials. As the predominant component of cornea tissue, collagen-based materials have promising applications for corneal repair. However, the corneal nerve repair and epithelization process after corneal transplantation must be improved. This research proposes a new collagen-based scaffold with good biocompatibility and biological functionality enhanced by surface chemical grafting of natural taurine molecular. The chemical composition of collagen-taurine (Col-Tau) material is evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and its hydrophilic properties, light transmittance, swelling performance and mechanical tensile properties have been measured. The research results indicate that the Col-Tau sample has high transmittance and good mechanical properties, and exhibits excellent capacity to promote corneal nerve cell growth and the epithelization process of corneal epithelial cells. This novel Col-Tau material, which can be easily prepared at a low cost, should have significant application potential for the treating corneal disease in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (L.D.)
| | - Chuanlei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Yanhui Kong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Jia Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (L.D.)
| | - Linhong Deng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ji P, Zhang C, Kong Y, Liu H, Guo J, Shi L, Yang H, Gu Z, Liu Y. Collagen Film with Bionic Layered Structure and High Light Transmittance for Personalized Corneal Repair Fabricated by Controlled Solvent Evaporation Technique. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13020052. [PMID: 35645260 PMCID: PMC9149912 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness is a common phenomenon, and corneal transplantation is an effective treatment for corneal defects. However, there is usually a mismatch between the corneal repair material and the degree of the patient’s corneal defect. Therefore, patients with different corneal defects need suitable corneal repair materials with a specific microstructure for personalized treatment. In this research, collagen films with bionic structures were fabricated through ethanol evaporation technique by regulating the volume ratios of collagen solution: ethanol = 10:0(Col)/9:1(CC91)/8:2(CC82)/CC73(CC73). Under various preparation conditions, the obtained collagen films contain layered structures of different density. SEM photos show that the CC73 film with a dense layer arrangement has a microstructure similar to that of the corneal epithelial layer, whereas the Col film has a loose layered structure similar to that of the corneal stroma layer. Four kinds of collagen films showed different optical properties and water absorption ability. A more ordered arrangement of internal layer structure leads to better mechanical properties of the collagen film. In view of this, we think that these collagen films with different microstructures and different interlayer spacing may have huge potential applications for personalized corneal repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peihong Ji
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (P.J.); (Z.G.)
| | - Chuanlei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Yanhui Kong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Jia Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Longsheng Shi
- Hangzhou Matrix Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311100, China;
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (P.J.); (Z.G.)
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China; (C.Z.); (Y.K.); (H.L.); (J.G.)
- Hangzhou Matrix Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311100, China;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Y, Hu Z, Qu J, Xie H, Zhao J, Fan T, Liu X, Zhang M. Tissue-Engineered Corneal Endothelial Sheets Using Ultrathin Acellular Porcine Corneal Stroma Substrates for Endothelial Keratoplasty. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1301-1311. [PMID: 35229601 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered cornea endothelial sheets (TECES), created using a biocompatible thin and transparent carrier with corneal endothelial cells, could alleviate the shortage of donor corneas and provide abundant functional endothelial cells. In our previous clinical trials, the effectiveness and safety of the acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) applied in lamellar keratoplasty have been confirmed. In this study, we optimized the method to cut APCS into multiple 20 μm ultrathin lamellae by a cryostat microtome and investigated the feasibility of TECES by seeding rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) on ultrathin APCS. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and functional gene expression of RCECs on tissue-culture plastic and APCS of different thicknesses were compared. The results indicated that ultrathin lamellae were superior in increasing cell viability and maintaining cell functions. Analyzing with histology, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence, we found that RCECs cultured on 20 μm ultrathin APCS for 5 days grew into a confluent monolayer with a density of 3726 ± 223 cells/mm2 and expressed functional biomarkers Na+/K+-ATPase and zonula occludens. After 14 days, RCECs formed an early stage of Descemet's membrane-like structure by synthesizing collagen IV and laminin. Human corneal endothelial cells were also used to further validate the supportive effect of ultrathin APCS on cells. The resulting constructs were flexible and tough enough to implant into rabbits' anterior chambers through small incisions. TECES adhered to the posterior corneal stroma, and the thickness of cornea gradually reduced to normal after grafting. These results indicate that the ultrathin APCS can serve as a tissue engineering carrier and might be a suitable alternative for endothelial cells expansion in endothelial keratoplasty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhixin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingyu Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Huatao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Corneal Tissue Engineering, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tingjun Fan
- Key Laboratory for Corneal Tissue Engineering, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| |
Collapse
|