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Stewart DC, Brisson BK, Yen WK, Liu Y, Wang C, Ruthel G, Gullberg D, Mauck RL, Maden M, Han L, Volk SW. TYPE III COLLAGEN REGULATES MATRIX ARCHITECTURE AND MECHANOSENSING DURING WOUND HEALING. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)02078-5. [PMID: 39236902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Post-natal cutaneous wound healing is characterized by development of collagen-rich scar lacking the architecture and functional integrity of unwounded tissue. Directing cell behaviors to efficiently heal wounds while minimizing scar formation remains a major wound management goal. Herein, we demonstrate type III collagen (Col3) as a critical regulator of re-epithelialization and scar formation during healing of Col3-enriched, regenerative (Acomys), scar-permissive (CD-1 Mus and wild-type Col3B6/B6 mice), and Col3-deficient, scar-promoting (Col3F/F, a murine conditional knockdown model) cutaneous wound models. We define a scar-permissive fibrillar collagen architecture signature characterized by elongated and anisotropically-aligned collagen fibers that is dose-dependently suppressed by Col3. Further, loss of Col3 alters how cells interpret their microenvironment - their mechanoperception - such that Col3-deficient cells display mechanically-active phenotypes in the absence of increased microenvironmental stiffness via upregulation and engagement of the profibrotic integrin α11. Further understanding Col3's role in regulating matrix architecture and mechanoresponses may inform clinical strategies that harness pro-regenerative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Stewart
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Becky K Brisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William K Yen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuchen Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Donald Gullberg
- Department of Biomedicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert L Mauck
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malcolm Maden
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Susan W Volk
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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2
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Zhao L, Shi Z, Qi X, Wang J, Yu M, Dong M, Wang F, Zhou Q, Wang T, Shi W. Corneal stromal structure replicating humanized hydrogel patch for sutureless repair of deep anterior-corneal defect. Biomaterials 2024; 313:122754. [PMID: 39197237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
A critical shortage of donor corneas exists worldwide. Hydrogel patches with a biological architecture and functions that simulate those of native corneas have garnered considerable attention. This study introduces a stromal structure replicating corneal patch (SRCP) composed of a decellularized cornea-templated nanotubular skeleton, recombinant human collagen, and methacrylated gelatin, exhibiting a similar ultrastructure and transmittance (above 80 %) to natural cornea. The SRCP is superior to the conventional recombinant human collagen patch in terms of biomechanical properties and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Additionally, SRCP promotes corneal epithelial and stromal cell migration while preventing the trans-differentiation of stromal cells into myofibroblasts. When applied to an ocular surface (37 °C), SRCP releases methacrylated gelatin, which robustly binds SRCP to the corneal stroma after activation by 405 nm light. Compared to gelatin-based photocurable hydrogel, the SRCP better supports the restoration of normal corneal curvature and withstands deformation under an elevated intraocular pressure (100 mmHg). In an in vivo deep anterior-corneal defect model, SRCP facilitated epithelial healing and vision recovery within 2 weeks, maintained graft structural stability, and inhibited stromal scarring at 4 weeks post-operation. The ideal performance of the SRCP makes it a promising humanized corneal equivalent for sutureless clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhao
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhen Shi
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xia Qi
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jingting Wang
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mengmeng Yu
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Muchen Dong
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China; Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250021, China.
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3
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Boroumand S, Rahmani M, Sigaroodi F, Ganjoury C, Parandakh A, Bonakdar A, Khani MM, Soleimani M. The landscape of clinical trials in corneal regeneration: A systematic review of tissue engineering approaches in corneal disease. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2024; 112:e35449. [PMID: 39032135 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The limited availability of a healthy donor cornea and the incidence of allograft failure led researchers to seek other corneal substitutes via tissue engineering. Exploring the trend of clinical trials of the cornea with the vision of tissue engineering provides an opportunity to reveal future potential corneal substitutes. The results of this clinical trial are beneficial for future study designs to overcome the limitations of current therapeutic approaches. In this study, registered clinical trials of bio-based approaches were reviewed for corneal regeneration on March 22, 2024. Among the 3955 registered trials for the cornea, 392 trials were included in this study, which categorized in three main bio-based scaffolds, stem cells, and bioactive macromolecules. In addition to the acellular cornea and human amniotic membrane, several bio-based materials have been introduced as corneal substrates such as collagen, fibrin, and agarose. However, some synthetic materials have been introduced in recent studies to improve the desired properties of bio-based scaffolds for corneal substitutes. Nevertheless, new insights into corneal regenerative medicine have recently emerged from cell sheets with autologous and allogeneic cell sources. In addition, the future perspective of corneal regeneration is described through a literature review of recent experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Boroumand
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Rahmani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faraz Sigaroodi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Camellia Ganjoury
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Parandakh
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Bonakdar
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Mehdi Khani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Rafiei S, Ghanbari-Abdolmaleki M, Zeinali R, Heidari-Keshel S, Rahimi A, Royanian F, Zaeifi D, Taheri K, Pourtaghi K, Khaleghi M, Biazar E. Silk fibroin/vitreous humor hydrogel scaffold modified by a carbodiimide crosslinker for wound healing. Biopolymers 2024:e23612. [PMID: 38994706 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Natural-derived biomaterials can be used as substrates for the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. In this study, bovine vitreous humor as a biological material was cross-linked to silk fibroin with different concentration ratios to design a suitable substrate for corneal tissue regeneration. The cross-linked samples were evaluated with different analyses such as structural, physical (optical, swelling, and degradation), mechanical, and biological (viability, cell adhesion) assays. The results showed that all samples had excellent transparency, especially those with higher silk fibroin content. Increasing the ratio of vitreous humor to silk fibroin decreased mechanical strength and increased swelling and degradation, respectively. There was no significant difference in the toxicity of the samples, and with the increase in vitreous humor ratio, adhesion and cell proliferation increased. Generally, silk fibroin with vitreous humor can provide desirable characteristics as a transparent film for corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Rafiei
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | | | - Reza Zeinali
- Group of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universität Politècnica de Catalunya, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Saeed Heidari-Keshel
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Rahimi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farima Royanian
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Davood Zaeifi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiana Taheri
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Kimia Pourtaghi
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Maryam Khaleghi
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Biazar
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
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5
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Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Garg A, Alfatease A, Hani U, Haider N, Akbar MJ, Talath S, Angolkar M, Paramshetti S, Osmani RAM, Gundawar R. Drug eluting protein and polysaccharides-based biofunctionalized fabric textiles- pioneering a new frontier in tissue engineering: An extensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131605. [PMID: 38641284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of tissue engineering, medicated biotextiles have emerged as a game-changer. These remarkable textiles have garnered significant attention for their ability to craft tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the properties of natural tissues. This comprehensive review delves into the realm of medicated protein and polysaccharide-based biotextiles, exploring a diverse array of fabric materials. We unravel the intricate web of fabrication methods, ranging from weft/warp knitting to plain/stain weaving and braiding, each lending its unique touch to the world of biotextiles creation. Fibre production techniques, such as melt spinning, wet/gel spinning, and multicomponent spinning, are demystified to shed light on the magic behind these ground-breaking textiles. The biotextiles thus crafted exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties that hold immense promise in the field of tissue engineering (TE). Our review underscores the myriad applications of drug-eluting protein and polysaccharide-based textiles, including TE, tissue repair, regeneration, and wound healing. Additionally, we delve into commercially available products that harness the potential of medicated biotextiles, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare and regenerative medicine. Step into the world of innovation with medicated biotextiles-where science meets the art of healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankitha Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Adel Alfatease
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Umme Hani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nazima Haider
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad J Akbar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sirajunisa Talath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah 11172, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohit Angolkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharanya Paramshetti
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Riyaz Ali M Osmani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.
| | - Ravi Gundawar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Vijayaraghavan R, Loganathan S, Valapa RB. 3D bioprinted photo crosslinkable GelMA/methylcellulose hydrogel mimicking native corneal model with enhanced in vitro cytocompatibility and sustained keratocyte phenotype for stromal regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130472. [PMID: 38428773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation serves as the standard clinical therapy for serious corneal disorders. However, rejection of grafts, significant expenditures, and most crucially, the global donor shortage, may affect the outcome. Recently, 3D bioprinting using biodegradable polymeric materials has become a suitable method for creating tissue replicas with identical architecture. One such most renowned material is GelMA, for its scaffold's three-dimensional structure, biocompatibility, robust mechanics, and favourable optical transmittance. However, GelMA's inadequate viscosity to print at body temperature with better form integrity remains an obstacle. The aim of this work is to create 3D printed GelMA/MC hydrogels for corneal stroma tissue engineering using MC's printability at room temperature and GelMA's irreversible photo cross-linking with UV irradiation. The print speed and pressure conditions for 3D GelMA/MC hydrogels were tuned. Thermal, morphological and physicochemical characteristics were studied for two distinct concentrations of GelMA/MC hydrogels. The hydrogels achieved a transparency of ~78 % (at 700 nm), which was on par with that of the normal cornea (80 %). The in vitro studies conducted using goat corneal stromal cells demonstrated the ability of both hydrogels to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Expression of Vimentin and keratan sulphate validated the phenotype of keratocytes in the hydrogel. This 3D printed GelMA/MC hydrogel model mimics biophysical characteristics of the native corneal stroma, which may hold promise for clinical corneal stromal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Vijayaraghavan
- Electrochemical Process Engineering, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sravanthi Loganathan
- Electrochemical Process Engineering, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Ravi Babu Valapa
- Electrochemical Process Engineering, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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8
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Sharma M, Kaur S, Mavlankar NA, Chanda A, Gupta PC, Saikia UN, Ram J, Pal A, Mandal S, Guptasarma P, Luthra-Guptasarma M. Use of discarded corneo-scleral rims to create cornea-like tissue. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:391. [PMID: 38446253 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09321-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal disease is a major cause of blindness. Transplantation of cadaver-derived corneas (keratoplasty) is still the current therapy of choice; however, the global shortage of donor corneas continues to drive a search for alternatives. To this end, biosynthetic corneal substitutes have recently begun to gain importance. Here, we present a novel method for the generation of a cornea-like tissue (CLT), using corneo-scleral rims discarded after keratoplasty. METHODS AND RESULTS Type I collagen was polymerized within the corneo-scleral rim, which functioned as a 'host' mould, directing the 'guest' collagen to polymerize into disc-shaped cornea-like material (CLM), displaying the shape, curvature, thickness, and transparency of normal cornea. This polymerization of collagen appears to derive from some morphogenetic influence exerted by the corneo-scleral rim. Once the CLM had formed naturally, we used collagen crosslinking to fortify it, and then introduced cells to generate a stratified epithelial layer to create cornea-like tissue (CLT) displaying characteristics of native cornea. Through the excision and reuse of rims, each rim turned out to be useful for the generation of multiple cornea-shaped CLTs. CONCLUSIONS The approach effectively helps to shorten the gap between demand and supply of CLMs/CLTs for transplantation. We are exploring the surgical transplantation of this CLT into animal eyes, as keratoprostheses, as a precursor to future applications involving human eyes. It is possible to use either the CLM or CLT, for patients with varying corneal blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryada Sharma
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Block A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
- Department of Otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Subhpreet Kaur
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Block A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | | | - Alokananda Chanda
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, SAS Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Parul Chawla Gupta
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Uma Nahar Saikia
- Departments of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Jagat Ram
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Asish Pal
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, SAS Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Sanjay Mandal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, SAS Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Purnananda Guptasarma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, SAS Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Manni Luthra-Guptasarma
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Block A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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9
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Rodríguez-Lorenzo LM, Reyes-Ortega F, Griffith M. Editorial: Biomaterials used in tissue engineering for the restoration of ocular disorders. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1369505. [PMID: 38357310 PMCID: PMC10864432 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Rodríguez-Lorenzo
- Department Polymeric Nanomaterials and Biomaterials, Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felisa Reyes-Ortega
- Department Ophthalmology, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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10
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Vrehen AF, Rutten MGTA, Dankers PYW. Development of a Fully Synthetic Corneal Stromal Construct via Supramolecular Hydrogel Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301392. [PMID: 37747759 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of ophthalmology show great potential in the design of bioengineered constructs to mimic the corneal stroma. Hydrogels based on synthetic supramolecular polymers, are attractive synthetic mimics of the natural highly hydrated corneal stroma. Here, a fully synthetic corneal stromal construct is developed via engineering of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel based on ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties. The hydrogel displays a dynamic and tunable behavior, which allows for control of biochemical and mechanical cues. Two hydrogels are developed, a fully synthetic hydrogel functionalized with a bioactive cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate UPy (UPy-cRGD) additive, and a hybrid hydrogel based on UPy-moieties mixed with collagen type I fibers. Both hydrogels supported cell encapsulation and associated cellular deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins after 21 days. Excitingly, the hydrogels support the activation of isolated primary keratocytes into stromal fibroblasts as well as the differentiation toward more quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes, demonstrated by their characteristic long dendritic protrusions and a substantially diminished cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cells survive shear stresses during an injectability test. Together, these findings highlight the development of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel as a synthetic corneal stromal microenvironment able to host primary keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika F Vrehen
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Martin G T A Rutten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
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Dou S, Liu X, Shi W, Gao H. New dawn for keratoconus treatment: potential strategies for corneal stromal regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:317. [PMID: 37932824 PMCID: PMC10629149 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus is a progressive, ectatic and blinding disorder of the cornea, characterized by thinning of corneal stroma. As a highly prevalent among adolescents, keratoconus has been a leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. However, the severe shortage of donor corneas is a global issue, and the traditional corneal transplantation surgeries may superinduce multiple complications, necessitating efforts to develop more effective strategies for keratoconus treatment. In this review, we summarized several strategies to promote corneal stromal regeneration or improve corneal stromal thickness, including cell-based therapies, biosynthetic alternatives for inducing corneal regeneration, minimally invasive intrastromal implantation and bioengineered tissues for implantation. These strategies provided more accessible but safer alternatives from various perspectives for keratoconus treatment, paving the way for arresting the keratoconus progression in its earlier stage. For the treatments of corneal ectatic diseases beyond keratoconus, these approaches will provide important references and widen the therapy options in a donor tissue-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Gao
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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12
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Chameettachal S, Venuganti A, Parekh Y, Prasad D, Joshi VP, Vashishtha A, Basu S, Singh V, Bokara KK, Pati F. Human cornea-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel for prevention of post-traumatic corneal scarring: A translational approach. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:289-307. [PMID: 37683964 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Corneal scarring and opacification are a significant cause of blindness affecting millions worldwide. The current standard of care for corneal blindness is corneal transplantation, which suffers from several drawbacks. One alternative approach that has shown promise is the use of xenogeneic corneal extracellular matrix (ECM), but its clinical applicability is challenging due to safety concerns. This study reports the innovative use of human cornea-derived ECM to prevent post-traumatic corneal scarring. About 30 - 40% of corneas donated to the eye banks do not meet the standards defined for clinical use and are generally discarded, although they are completely screened for their safety. In this study, human cornea-derived decellularized ECM hydrogel was prepared from the non-transplantation grade human cadaveric corneas obtained from an accredited eye-bank. The prepared hydrogel was screened for its efficacy against corneal opacification following an injury in an animal model. Our in vivo study revealed that, the control collagen-treated group developed corneal opacification, while the prophylactic application of human cornea-derived hydrogel effectively prevented corneal scarring and opacification. The human hydrogel-treated corneas were indistinguishable from healthy corneas and comparable to those treated with the xenogeneic bovine corneal hydrogel. We also demonstrated that the application of the hydrogel retained the biological milieu including cell behavior, protein components, optical properties, curvature, and nerve regeneration by remodeling the corneal wound after injury. The hydrogel application is also sutureless, resulting in faster corneal healing. We envision that this human cornea-derived ECM-based hydrogel has potential clinical application in preventing scarring from corneal wounding. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There are significant challenges surrounding corneal regeneration after injury due to extensive scarring. Although there is substantial research on corneal regeneration, much of it uses synthetic materials with chemical cross-linking methods or xenogeneic tissue-based material devices which have to undergo exhaustive safety analysis before clinical trials. Herein, we demonstrate the potential application of a human corneal extracellular matrix hydrogel without any additional materials for scarless corneal tissue regeneration, and a method to reduce the wasting of donated allogenic corneal tissue from eye banks. We found no difference in efficacy between the usage of human tissues compared to xenogeneic sources. This may help ease clinical translation and can be used topically without sutures as an outpatient procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Animith Venuganti
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Yash Parekh
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Deeksha Prasad
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vineet P Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India; Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anviti Vashishtha
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Vivek Singh
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Kiran Kumar Bokara
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India.
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13
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Wang X, Elbahrawi RT, Abdukadir AM, Ali ZM, Chan V, Corridon PR. A proposed model of xeno-keratoplasty using 3D printing and decellularization. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1193606. [PMID: 37799970 PMCID: PMC10548234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1193606] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacity is a leading cause of vision impairment and suffering worldwide. Transplantation can effectively restore vision and reduce chronic discomfort. However, there is a considerable shortage of viable corneal graft tissues. Tissue engineering may address this issue by advancing xeno-keratoplasty as a viable alternative to conventional keratoplasty. In particular, livestock decellularization strategies offer the potential to generate bioartificial ocular prosthetics in sufficient supply to match existing and projected needs. To this end, we have examined the best practices and characterizations that have supported the current state-of-the-art driving preclinical and clinical applications. Identifying the challenges that delimit activities to supplement the donor corneal pool derived from acellular scaffolds allowed us to hypothesize a model for keratoprosthesis applications derived from livestock combining 3D printing and decellularization.
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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, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zehara Mohammed Ali
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 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, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Hleathcare, Engineering and Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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14
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Tran TM, Hou JH. Clinical applications of bioengineered tissue-cellular products for management of corneal diseases. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2023; 34:311-323. [PMID: 37097181 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss bioengineered tissue-cellular products for treatment of corneal diseases that are currently in clinical use. These include tissue-cellular products that have received regulatory approval, are being used off-label in clinical practice, or are in active use in clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS Due to the global shortage of donor corneal tissue, significant efforts have been made to develop bioengineering tissue-cellular products that can replace or augment the use of cadaveric tissue for corneal transplantation. The development of carrier substrates to support transplantation of cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) has been a growing area of research. CLET offers a promising therapeutic alternative to conventional simple limbal epithelial transplantation and keratolimbal allografts for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. Engineered tissue matrices and porcine-derived corneas are potential alternatives to human donor tissue in anterior lamellar keratoplasty for corneal ulcers and scars, as well as intrastromal transplants for advanced keratoconus. For endothelial disease, substrate supported cultured endothelial cell grafts, and synthetic barrier devices are promising alternative to traditional endothelial keratoplasties. SUMMARY There has been increasing interest in cellular and acellular bioengineered tissue-cellular and synthetic products for treatment of corneal diseases, and many of these products have already seen clinical use. Industry and academia have important roles in advancing these products to later phase clinical trials and comparing them to conventional allograft approaches. Future development of full thickness donor corneas with cultivated epithelium, endothelium, and stromal keratocytes in a biosynthetic matrix will likely be an important next step in tissue alternatives. Continued progress in this field will be critical for addressing the global disease burden from corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu M Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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15
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González-Gallardo C, Martínez-Atienza J, Mataix B, Muñoz-Ávila JI, Daniel Martínez-Rodríguez J, Medialdea S, Ruiz-García A, Lizana-Moreno A, Arias-Santiago S, de la Rosa-Fraile M, Garzon I, Campos A, Cuende N, Alaminos M, González-Andrades M, Mata R. Successful restoration of corneal surface integrity with a tissue-engineered allogeneic implant in severe keratitis patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114612. [PMID: 36989713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corneal diseases are among the main causes of blindness, with approximately 4.6 and 23 million patients worldwide suffering from bilateral and unilateral corneal blindness, respectively. The standard treatment for severe corneal diseases is corneal transplantation. However, relevant disadvantages, particularly in high-risk conditions, have focused the attention on the search for alternatives. METHODS We report interim findings of a phase I-II clinical study evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of a tissue-engineered corneal substitute composed of a nanostructured fibrin-agarose biocompatible scaffold combined with allogeneic corneal epithelial and stromal cells (NANOULCOR). 5 subjects (5 eyes) suffering from trophic corneal ulcers refractory to conventional treatments, who combined stromal degradation or fibrosis and limbal stem cell deficiency, were included and treated with this allogeneic anterior corneal substitute. RESULTS The implant completely covered the corneal surface, and ocular surface inflammation decreased following surgery. Only four adverse reactions were registered, and none of them were severe. No detachment, ulcer relapse nor surgical re-interventions were registered after 2 years of follow-up. No signs of graft rejection, local infection or corneal neovascularization were observed either. Efficacy was measured as a significant postoperative improvement in terms of the eye complication grading scales. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images revealed a more homogeneous and stable ocular surface, with complete scaffold degradation occurring within 3-12 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the surgical application of this allogeneic anterior human corneal substitute is feasible and safe, showing partial efficacy in the restoration of the corneal surface.
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16
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Pramanik B, Islam MM, Patra HK. Rational design of peptide-based implants for corneal bioengineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 81:102947. [PMID: 37163824 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of damaged cornea can save vision for millions of patients. Most of these patients are waiting for transplantation of a donor cornea or suitable substitute to restore vision. Although donor cornea transplantation is the most clinically accepted treatment, shortage of donor cornea results in almost 69 out of every 70 patients untreated with the waiting list for transplantation drastically increasing every year according to a prepandemic estimation. Therefore, corneal replacements are coming up as a cutting-edge alternative strategy. In view of the peptides, especially collagen-like peptides and peptide amphiphiles with bioactive functional motifs demonstrate promising avenue for the corneal tissue engineering and promoting regeneration, by their hierarchical self-assembling propensity to acquire desired nano- to macroscale 3D architecture. Here, we analyze rational peptide designing, self-assembly, and strategies of peptide/peptide-based nanoscale building blocks to create the extracellular matrix mimetic implants for functional regeneration of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bapan Pramanik
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel; School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad M Islam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hirak K Patra
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom.
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17
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Pan J, Zhang W, Zhu J, Tan J, Huang Y, Mo K, Tong Y, Xie Z, Ke Y, Zheng H, Ouyang H, Shi X, Gao L. Arrested Phase Separation Enables High-Performance Keratoprostheses. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207750. [PMID: 36680510 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is impeded by donor shortages, immune rejection, and ethical reservations. Pre-made cornea prostheses (keratoprostheses) offer a proven option to alleviate these issues. Ideal keratoprostheses must possess optical clarity and mechanical robustness, but also high permeability, processability, and recyclability. Here, it is shown that rationally controlling the extent of arrested phase separation can lead to optimized multiscale structure that reconciles permeability and transparency, a previously conflicting goal by common pore-forming strategies. The process is simply accomplished by hydrothermally treating a dense and transparent hydrophobic association hydrogel. The examination of multiscale structure evolution during hydrothermal treatment reveals that the phase separation with upper miscibility gap evolves to confer time-dependent pore growth due to slow dynamics of polymer-rich phase which is close to vitrification. Such a process can render a combination of multiple desired properties that equal or surpass those of the state-of-the-art keratoprostheses. In vivo tests confirm that the keratoprosthesis can effectively repair corneal perforation and restore a transparent cornea with treatment outcomes akin to that of allo-keratoplasty. The keratoprosthesis is easy to access and convenient to carry, and thus would be an effective temporary substitute for a corneal allograft in emergency conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiageng Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Gangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jieying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yan Tong
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Xie
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan, 523803, P. R. China
| | - Yubin Ke
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan, 523803, P. R. China
| | - Huade Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guanghzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guanghzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Liang Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Gangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Jieyang Branch of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Rongjiang Laboratory), Jieyang, 515200, P. R. China
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18
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Urbánek P, Šuly P, Ševčík J, Hanulíková B, Kuřitka I, Šopík T, Stodůlka P. Controlled Drug Delivery Device for Cornea Treatment and Novel Method for Its Testing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040505. [PMID: 37111260 PMCID: PMC10143253 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A new solution for local anesthetic and antibiotic delivery after eye surgery is presented. A contact lens-shaped collagen drug carrier was created and loaded by Levofloxacin and Tetracaine with a riboflavin crosslinked surface layer, thus impeding diffusion. The crosslinking was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, whereas the drug release was investigated using UV-Vis spectrometry. Due to the surface barrier, the drug gradually releases into the corneal tissue. To test the function of the carrier, a 3D printed device and a new test method for a controlled drug release, which mimics the geometry and physiological lacrimation rate of the human eye, were developed. The experimental setup with simple geometry revealed that the prepared drug delivery device can provide the prolonged release profile of the pseudo-first-order for up to 72 h. The efficiency of the drug delivery was further demonstrated using a dead porcine cornea as a drug recipient, without the need to use live animals for testing. Our drug delivery system significantly surpasses the efficiency of antibiotic and anesthetic eyedrops that would have to be applied approximately 30 times per hour to achieve the same dose as that delivered continuously by our device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Urbánek
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Pavol Šuly
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Ševčík
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hanulíková
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Kuřitka
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Šopík
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stodůlka
- Gemini Eye Clinic, U Gemini 360, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
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19
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Bayati V, Nasrolahi A, Zamani M, Nejaddehbashi F. Evaluation of the effects of ethanol and mitomycin on survival of rat limbal stem cells: an in vitro study. Int Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10792-023-02650-0. [PMID: 36877318 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ethanol and mitomycin C (MMC) are clinically used to treat corneal diseases such as LASEK and LASIK surgery. In this study, we investigated the effects of time-dependent alcohol and MMC in cultured rat limbal stem cells (LSCs) to determine the appropriate time for the use of this compound in the clinical setting. METHODS LSCs (N = 10 eyes) isolated from male Wistar rats were cultured and characterized; then, isolates were divided into three groups. One group was exposed to a 20% concentration of ethanol for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 s, and cell viability was assessed one, three, and five days following ethanol exposure using an MTT assay. To investigate the effect of MMC, cells in the second group were treated with 0.02% MMC in various periods (i.e., 15 s, 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s) and time-dependent responses of cultured LSCs were recorded. Cells in the third group were co-treated with ethanol and MMC; then, dose and time dependency was evaluated. RESULTS In comparison with the viable cells in the control group, ethanol markedly decreased the viability of cells in a time-dependent manner in days one and three. On day five, the viability of LSCs was improved significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison with day one. The number of viable progenitor cells was significantly decreased after MMC treatment in a time-dependent manner, as determined by the MTT assay (p < 0.001). The use of mitomycin, along with alcohol, decreased cell viability in all groups treated with ethanol + MMC compared to the control on days one, three, and five (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ethanol and MMC reduced cell viability in cultured LSCs in a time-dependent manner. In addition, when LSCs were exposed to alcohol alone, they had a better recovery process within 5 days in comparison to when exposed to mitomycin alone or mitomycin + alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Bayati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mitra Zamani
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Nejaddehbashi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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20
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Li S, Ma X, Zhang Y, Qu Y, Wang L, Ye L. Applications of hydrogel materials in different types of corneal wounds. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00040-1. [PMID: 36854372 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe corneal injury can lead to a decrease in light transmission and even blindness. Currently, corneal transplantation has been applied as the primary treatment for corneal blindness; however, the worldwide shortage of suitable corneal donor tissue means that a large proportion of patients have no access to corneal transplants. This situation has contributed to the rapid development of various corneal substitutes. The development and optimization of novel hydrogels that aim to replace partial or full-thickness pathological corneas have advanced in the last decade. Meanwhile, with the help of 3D bioprinting technology, hydrogel materials can be molded to a refined and controllable shape, attracting many scientists to the field of corneal reconstruction research. Although hydrogels are not yet available as a substitute for traditional clinical methods of corneal diseases, their rapid development makes us confident that they will be in the near future. We summarize the application of hydrogel materials for various types of corneal injuries frequently encountered in clinical practice, especially focusing on animal experiments and preclinical studies. Finally, we discuss the development and achievements of 3D bioprinting in the treatment of corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixu Li
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xudai Ma
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunhao Qu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lin Ye
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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21
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Yang GN, Roberts PK, Gardner-Russell J, Shah MH, Couper TA, Zhu Z, Pollock GA, Dusting GJ, Daniell M. From bench to clinic: Emerging therapies for corneal scarring. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108349. [PMID: 36682466 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Corneal diseases are one of the leading causes of moderate-to-severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide, after glaucoma, cataract, and retinal disease in overall importance. Given its tendency to affect people at a younger age than other blinding conditions such as cataract and glaucoma, corneal scarring poses a huge burden both on the individuals and society. Furthermore, corneal scarring and fibrosis disproportionately affects people in poorer and remote areas, making it a significant ophthalmic public health problem. Traditional medical strategies, such as topical corticosteroids, are not effective in preventing fibrosis or scars. Corneal transplantation, the only effective sight-restoring treatment for corneal scars, is curbed by challenges including a severe shortage of tissue, graft rejection, secondary conditions, cultural barriers, the lack of well-trained surgeons, operating rooms, and well-equipped infrastructures. Thanks to tremendous research efforts, emerging therapeutic options including gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy and novel molecules are in development to prevent the progression of corneal scarring and compliment the surgical options currently available for treating established corneal scars in clinics. In this article, we summarise the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies on emerging therapies for corneal scarring in recent years, showing how these approaches may prevent scarring in its early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N Yang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia.
| | - Philippe Ke Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Vienna, 18-20 Währinger Gürtel, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jesse Gardner-Russell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Manisha H Shah
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Terry A Couper
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Zhuoting Zhu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Graeme A Pollock
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Mark Daniell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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22
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Rafat M, Jabbarvand M, Sharma N, Xeroudaki M, Tabe S, Omrani R, Thangavelu M, Mukwaya A, Fagerholm P, Lennikov A, Askarizadeh F, Lagali N. Bioengineered corneal tissue for minimally invasive vision restoration in advanced keratoconus in two clinical cohorts. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:70-81. [PMID: 35953672 PMCID: PMC9849136 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Visual impairment from corneal stromal disease affects millions worldwide. We describe a cell-free engineered corneal tissue, bioengineered porcine construct, double crosslinked (BPCDX) and a minimally invasive surgical method for its implantation. In a pilot feasibility study in India and Iran (clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04653922 ), we implanted BPCDX in 20 advanced keratoconus subjects to reshape the native corneal stroma without removing existing tissue or using sutures. During 24 months of follow-up, no adverse event was observed. We document improvements in corneal thickness (mean increase of 209 ± 18 µm in India, 285 ± 99 µm in Iran), maximum keratometry (mean decrease of 13.9 ± 7.9 D in India and 11.2 ± 8.9 D in Iran) and visual acuity (to a mean contact-lens-corrected acuity of 20/26 in India and spectacle-corrected acuity of 20/58 in Iran). Fourteen of 14 initially blind subjects had a final mean best-corrected vision (spectacle or contact lens) of 20/36 and restored tolerance to contact lens wear. This work demonstrates restoration of vision using an approach that is potentially equally effective, safer, simpler and more broadly available than donor cornea transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Rafat
- LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Mahmoud Jabbarvand
- Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Namrata Sharma
- R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Maria Xeroudaki
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Shideh Tabe
- LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Raha Omrani
- LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Anthony Mukwaya
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Fagerholm
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Farshad Askarizadeh
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neil Lagali
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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23
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Blanco-Elices C, Morales-Álvarez C, Chato-Astrain J, González-Gallardo C, Ávila-Fernández P, Campos F, Carmona R, Martín-Piedra MÁ, Garzón I, Alaminos M. Development of stromal differentiation patterns in heterotypical models of artificial corneas generated by tissue engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1124995. [PMID: 37034263 PMCID: PMC10076743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1124995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We carried out a histological characterization analysis of the stromal layer of human heterotypic cornea substitutes generated with extra-corneal cells to determine their putative usefulness in tissue engineering. Methods: Human bioartificial corneas were generated using nanostructured fibrin-agarose biomaterials with corneal stromal cells immersed within. To generate heterotypical corneas, umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells (HWJSC) were cultured on the surface of the stromal substitutes to obtain an epithelial-like layer. These bioartificial corneas were compared with control native human corneas and with orthotypical corneas generated with human corneal epithelial cells on top of the stromal substitute. Both the corneal stroma and the basement membrane were analyzed using histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods in samples kept in culture and grafted in vivo for 12 months in the rabbit cornea. Results: Our results showed that the stroma of the bioartificial corneas kept ex vivo showed very low levels of fibrillar and non-fibrillar components of the tissue extracellular matrix. However, in vivo implantation resulted in a significant increase of the contents of collagen, proteoglycans, decorin, keratocan and lumican in the corneal stroma, showing higher levels of maturation and spatial organization of these components. Heterotypical corneas grafted in vivo for 12 months showed significantly higher contents of collagen fibers, proteoglycans and keratocan. When the basement membrane was analyzed, we found that all corneas grafted in vivo showed intense PAS signal and higher contents of nidogen-1, although the levels found in human native corneas was not reached, and a rudimentary basement membrane was observed using transmission electron microscopy. At the epithelial level, HWJSC used to generate an epithelial-like layer in ex vivo corneas were mostly negative for p63, whereas orthotypical corneas and heterotypical corneas grafted in vivo were positive. Conclusion: These results support the possibility of generating bioengineered artificial corneas using non-corneal HWJSC. Although heterotypical corneas were not completely biomimetic to the native human corneas, especially ex vivo, in vivo grafted corneas demonstrated to be highly biocompatible, and the animal cornea became properly differentiated at the stroma and basement membrane compartments. These findings open the door to the future clinical use of these bioartificial corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Blanco-Elices
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Morales-Álvarez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Chato-Astrain
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Paula Ávila-Fernández
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Campos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Ramón Carmona
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Martín-Piedra
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Miguel Ángel Martín-Piedra, ; Ingrid Garzón,
| | - Ingrid Garzón
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Miguel Ángel Martín-Piedra, ; Ingrid Garzón,
| | - Miguel Alaminos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
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24
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Aiello F, Gallo Afflitto G, Pocobelli G, Ponzin D, Nucci C. Effect of Covid-19 on Eye Banks and Corneal Transplantations: Current Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:4345-4354. [PMID: 36606249 PMCID: PMC9809163 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s379849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exerted a great impact on medical practice, which was reframed according to the actual needs. Ophthalmological services and procedures including corneal transplantation did not represent an exception. The adoption and implementation of new standard operating procedures as well as of new technologies for remote consultation and smart-working reshaped daily activities of both eye bankers, physicians, researchers, and patients. Regulatory restrictions were issued redefining corneal donor eligibility criteria, as well as handling and harvesting procedures of donor ocular tissues. Surgical schedules underwent an abrupt contraction with prioritization of urgent procedures. Local lockdowns and confinement strategies resulted in both a reduction and redirection of research activities. The evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 colonization of ocular tissues, long-term corneal storage techniques, new disinfection strategies, split corneal transplants and cell-based therapies for the treatment of corneal disease peaked in the pipeline. Aim of this article is to summarizes the overall impact of the pandemic on the corneal transplantation machinery, and the current and future perspectives for the corneal transplant community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aiello
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Correspondence: Francesco Aiello, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy, Email
| | - Gabriele Gallo Afflitto
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Giulio Pocobelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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25
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Abstract
Despite rigorous investigations, the hydrogels currently available to replace damaged tissues, such as the cornea, cannot fulfill mechanical and structural requirements and, more importantly, cannot be sutured into host tissues due to the lack of hierarchical structures to dissipate exerted stress. In this report, solution electrospinning of polycaprolactone (PCL), protein-based hydrogel perfusion, and layer-by-layer stacking are used to generate a hydrogel-microfiber composite with varying PCL fiber diameters and hydrogel concentrations. Integrating PCL microfibers into the hydrogel synergistically improves the mechanical properties and suturability of the construct up to 10-fold and 50-fold, respectively, compared to the hydrogel and microfiber scaffolds alone, approaching those of the corneal tissue. Human corneal cells cultured on composites are viable and can spread, proliferate, and retain phenotypic characteristics. Moreover, corneal stromal cells migrate into the scaffold, degrade it, and regenerate the extracellular matrix. The current hydrogel reinforcing system paves the way for producing suturable and, therefore, transplantable tissue constructs with desired mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, Massachusetts02114, United States
| | - Hannah Sharifi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, Massachusetts02114, United States
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26
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Chen F, Mundy DC, Le P, Seo YA, Logan CM, Fernandes-Cunha GM, Basco CA, Myung D. In Situ-Forming Collagen-Hyaluronate Semi-Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Enhances Corneal Defect Repair. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:22. [PMID: 36239965 PMCID: PMC9586141 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.10.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Millions worldwide suffer vision impairment or blindness from corneal injury, and there remains an urgent need for a more effective and accessible way to treat corneal defects. We have designed and characterized an in situ-forming semi-interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) hydrogel using biomaterials widely used in ophthalmology and medicine. Methods The SIPN was formed by cross-linking collagen type I with bifunctional polyethylene glycol using N-hydroxysuccinimide ester chemistry in the presence of linear hyaluronic acid (HA). Gelation time and the mechanical, optical, swelling, and degradation properties of the SIPN were assessed. Cytocompatibility with human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) was determined in vitro, as was the spatial distribution of encapsulated CSSCs within the SIPN. In vivo wound healing was evaluated by multimodal imaging in an anterior lamellar keratectomy injury model in rabbits, followed by immunohistochemical analysis of treated and untreated tissues. Results The collagen-hyaluronate SIPN formed in situ without an external energy source and demonstrated mechanical and optical properties similar to the cornea. It was biocompatible with human corneal cells, enhancing CSSC viability when compared with collagen gel controls and preventing encapsulated CSSC sedimentation. In vivo application of the SIPN significantly reduced stromal defect size compared with controls after 7 days and promoted multilayered epithelial regeneration. Conclusions This in situ-forming SIPN hydrogel may be a promising alternative to keratoplasty and represents a step toward expanding treatment options for patients suffering from corneal injury. Translational Relevance We detail the synthesis and initial characterization of an SIPN hydrogel as a potential alternative to lamellar keratoplasty and a tunable platform for further development in corneal tissue engineering and therapeutic cell delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,VA Palo Alto HealthCare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David C Mundy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Peter Le
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,VA Palo Alto HealthCare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Youngyoon Amy Seo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin M Logan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Chris A Basco
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Myung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,VA Palo Alto HealthCare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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27
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Corneal Stroma Regeneration with Collagen-Based Hydrogel as an Artificial Stroma Equivalent: A Comprehensive In Vivo Study. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194017. [PMID: 36235965 PMCID: PMC9572218 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoring the anatomical and functional characteristics of the cornea using various biomaterials is especially relevant in the context of a global shortage of donor tissue. Such biomaterials must be biocompatible, strong, and transparent. Here, we report a Viscoll collagen membrane with mechanical and optical properties suitable for replacing damaged stromal tissue. After removing a portion of the stroma, a Viscoll collagen membrane was implanted into the corneas of rabbits. After 6 months, the active migration of host cells into Viscoll collagen membranes was noted, with the preservation of corneal transparency in all experimental animals. Effective integration of the Viscoll collagen membrane with corneal tissue promoted nerve regeneration in vivo, as confirmed by in vivo confocal microscopy. We also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the Viscoll collagen membrane for corneal stroma regeneration. Thus, in combination with the proposed packaging format that provides long-term storage of up to 10 months, this material has great potential for replacing and regenerating damaged stromal tissues.
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28
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Amirrah IN, Lokanathan Y, Zulkiflee I, Wee MFMR, Motta A, Fauzi MB. A Comprehensive Review on Collagen Type I Development of Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering: From Biosynthesis to Bioscaffold. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2307. [PMID: 36140407 PMCID: PMC9496548 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein found in humans and mammals, particularly in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Its primary function is to hold the body together. The collagen superfamily of proteins includes over 20 types that have been identified. Yet, collagen type I is the major component in many tissues and can be extracted as a natural biomaterial for various medical and biological purposes. Collagen has multiple advantageous characteristics, including varied sources, biocompatibility, sustainability, low immunogenicity, porosity, and biodegradability. As such, collagen-type-I-based bioscaffolds have been widely used in tissue engineering. Biomaterials based on collagen type I can also be modified to improve their functions, such as by crosslinking to strengthen the mechanical property or adding biochemical factors to enhance their biological activity. This review discusses the complexities of collagen type I structure, biosynthesis, sources for collagen derivatives, methods of isolation and purification, physicochemical characteristics, and the current development of collagen-type-I-based scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. The advancement of additional novel tissue engineered bioproducts with refined techniques and continuous biomaterial augmentation is facilitated by understanding the conventional design and application of biomaterials based on collagen type I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim N. Amirrah
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Izzat Zulkiflee
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - M. F. Mohd Razip Wee
- Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Antonella Motta
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Mh Busra Fauzi
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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29
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Choi SY, Kim S, Park KM. Initial Healing Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Gel and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the Deep Corneal Wound in Rabbits. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9080405. [PMID: 36004930 PMCID: PMC9405118 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet concentrates (PCs), including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), are autologous blood-derived biomaterials containing numerous growth factors. This study aimed to evaluate the initial healing effects of PRP gel and PRF on deep corneal wounds. Thirty-three eyes from New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups: group 1, lamellar keratectomy (LK); group 2, LK + commercial porcine small intestinal submucosal membrane (SIS); group 3, LK + SIS + PRP gel; and group 4, LK + SIS + PRF. Postoperative clinical and histological findings were observed for eight weeks. Group 1 showed no neovascularization during the observation period, and incompletely recovered with a thin cornea. Group 2 showed active healing through neovascularization, and a thick cornea was regenerated through the sufficient generation of myofibroblasts. Although group 3 showed a healing effect similar to that of group 2, angiogenesis and subsequent vessel regression were promoted, and corneal opacity improved more rapidly. In group 4, angiogenesis was promoted during initial healing; however, the incidence of complications, such as inflammation, was high, and myofibroblasts were hardly generated in the corneal stroma, which adversely affected remodeling. In conclusion, while PRP gel is a safe surgical material for promoting remodeling through vascular healing and myofibroblast production in deep corneal wounds, the use of PRF is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Young Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ophthalmology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Soochong Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Platelet Signaling, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Kyung-Mee Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ophthalmology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-43-250-2985
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30
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Pourjabbar B, Biazar E, Heidari Keshel S, Baradaran‐Rafii A. Improving the properties of fish skin collagen/silk fibroin dressing by chemical treatment for corneal wound healing. Int Wound J 2022; 20:484-498. [PMID: 35912793 PMCID: PMC9885469 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural biomaterials are crucial in ocular tissue engineering because they allow cells to proliferate, differentiate, and stratify while maintaining the typical epithelial phenotype. In this study, membranes as dressings were formed from silk fibroin and collagen (Co) extracted from fish skin and then modified with carbodiimide chemical cross linker in different concentrations. The samples were evaluated by different analyses such as structural, physical (optical, swelling, denaturation temperature, degradation), mechanical, and biological (viability, cell adhesion, immunocytochemistry) assays. The results showed that all membranes have excellent transparency, especially with higher silk fibroin content. Increasing the cross linker concentration and the ratio of silk fibroin to Co increased the denaturation temperature and mechanical strength and, conversely, reduced the degradation rate and cell adhesion. The samples did not show a significant difference in toxicity with increasing cross linker and silk fibroin ratio. In general, samples with a low silk fibroin ratio combined with cross linker can provide desirable properties as a membrane for corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Pourjabbar
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Esmaeil Biazar
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tonekabon BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTonekabonIran
| | - Saeed Heidari Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran,Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alireza Baradaran‐Rafii
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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31
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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]
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32
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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.
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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.)
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Pournemati B, Tabesh H, Jenabi A, Mehdinavaz Aghdam R, Hossein Rezayan A, Poorkhalil A, Ahmadi Tafti SH, Mottaghy K. Injectable conductive nanocomposite hydrogels for cardiac tissue engineering: Focusing on carbon and metal-based nanostructures. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Barroso IA, Man K, Hall TJ, Robinson TE, Louth SET, Cox SC, Ghag AK. Photocurable antimicrobial silk-based hydrogels for corneal repair. J Biomed Mater Res A 2022; 110:1401-1415. [PMID: 35257514 PMCID: PMC9313849 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is the current gold standard treatment to restore visual acuity to patients with severe corneal diseases and injuries. Due to severe donor tissue shortage, efforts to develop a corneal equivalent have been made but the challenge remains unmet. Another issue of concern in ocular surgery is the difficult instillation and fast drainage of antibiotic ocular eye drops as bacterial infections can jeopardize implant success by delaying or impairing tissue healing. In this study, we developed antimicrobial silk-based hydrogels that have the potential to be photoactivated in situ, fully adapting to the corneal injury shape. Gentamicin-loaded methacrylated-silk (SilkMA) hydrogels were prepared within minutes using low UV intensity (3 mW/cm2 ). SilkMA gels provided a Young's modulus between 21 and 79 kPa together with a light transmittance spectrum and water content (83%-90%) similar to the human cornea. Polymer concentration (15%-25%) was found to offer a tool for tailoring the physical properties of the hydrogels. We confirmed that the methacrylation did not affect the material's in vitro degradation and biocompatibility by observing fibroblast adhesion and proliferation. Importantly, agar diffusion tests showed that the synthesized hydrogels were able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth for 72 h. These characteristics along with their injectability and viscoelasticity demonstrate the potential of SilkMA hydrogels to be applied in several soft tissue engineering fields. As such, for the first time we demonstrate the potential of photocurable antimicrobial SilkMA hydrogels as a novel biomaterial to facilitate corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês A. Barroso
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Kenny Man
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Thomas J. Hall
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | | | | | - Sophie C. Cox
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Anita K. Ghag
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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Simpson FC, Islam MM, Buznyk O, Edin E, Groleau M, Kozak-Ljunggren M, Magrelli FM, AbuSamra DB, Argüeso P, Chodosh J, Liszka A, Fagerholm P, Griffith M. Electron-Beam Irradiated Recombinant Human Collagen-Phosphorylcholine Corneal Implants Retain Pro-Regeneration Capacity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:883977. [PMID: 35769102 PMCID: PMC9234199 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.883977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterilization of biodegradable, collagen-based implants is challenging as irradiation sterilization methods can alter their mechanical properties. Electron beam (EB) irradiation is a terminal sterilization method that has been used for biologically-derived implants. Here, recombinant human collagen type III-phosphorylcholine (RHCIII-MPC) hydrogels were irradiated with EB doses of 17, 19, or 21 kGy and their subsequent biocompatibility and ability to promote regeneration in rabbit corneas was evaluated. Unirradiated hydrogels stored in 1% chloroform in phosphate-buffered saline (C-PBS) were the controls. There were no significant differences between irradiated and non-irradiated samples in optical or physical properties (tensile strength, modulus, elasticity), or the ability to support cell growth. However, irradiated implants were more sensitive to high levels of collagenase than unirradiated controls and the C-PBS implants had increased cell growth compared to EB and controls at 72 h. Corneal implants e-beamed at 17 kGy or e-beamed and subsequently frozen (EB-F) to increase shelf-life showed no adverse biological effects of the irradiation. EB, EB-F, and C-PBS implanted corneas all rapidly re-epithelialized but showed mild neovascularization that resolved over 6 months. The regenerated neo-corneas were transparent at 6 months post-operation. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed normal morphology for the epithelium, stroma, sub-basal nerves and unoperated endothelium. Histology showed that all the regenerated corneas were morphologically similar to the normal. Immunohistochemistry indicated the presence of a differentiated corneal epithelium and functional tear film. In conclusion, the e-beamed corneal implants performed as well as non-irradiated control implants, resulting in fully regenerated neo-corneas with new nerves and without blood vessels or inflammation that may impede vision or corneal function. Therefore, a complete validation study to establish EB irradiation as an effective means for corneal implant sterilization prior to clinical application is necessary as a next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C. Simpson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche—Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohammed Mirazul Islam
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Oleksiy Buznyk
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of the NAMS of Ukraine, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Elle Edin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche—Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marc Groleau
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche—Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Monika Kozak-Ljunggren
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Federica M. Magrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Dina B. AbuSamra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pablo Argüeso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James Chodosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aneta Liszka
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Fagerholm
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Per Fagerholm, ; May Griffith,
| | - May Griffith
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche—Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Per Fagerholm, ; May Griffith,
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Zhu L, Zhang W, Zhu J, Chen C, Mo K, Guo H, Wu S, Huang H, Li L, Li M, Tan J, Huang Y, Wang L, Ouyang H. Cotransplantation of Limbal Epithelial and Stromal Cells for Ocular Surface Reconstruction. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100148. [PMID: 36249679 PMCID: PMC9560570 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To propose an improved stem cell-based strategy for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) treatment. Design Experimental randomized or parallel-group animal study. Subjects Fifty adult male New Zealand white rabbits. Methods Human limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) and limbal stromal stem/progenitor cells (LSSCs) were cultured in serum-free conditions and further differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes, respectively. All cell types were characterized with lineage-specific markers. Gene expression analysis was performed to identify the potential function of LSSCs in corneal regeneration. Two LSCD models of rabbits for transplantations were used: transplantation performed at the time of limbal and corneal epithelial excision (LSCD model) and transplantation performed after clinical signs were induced in an LSCD model (pLSCD model). The pLSCD model better mimics the pathologic changes and symptoms of human LSCD. Rabbit models received LSC or LSC plus LSSC treatment. Corneal epithelial defects, neovascularization, and opacity were assessed every 3 weeks for 24 weeks. ZsGreen-labeled LSSCs were used for short-term tracking in vivo. Main Outcome Measures Rates of corneal epithelial defect area, corneal neovascularization and opacity scores, graft survival rate, and immunofluorescence staining of specific markers. Results Both LSC transplantation and LSC plus LSSC cotransplantation effectively repaired the corneal surface in the LSCD model. These 2 strategies showed no significant differences in terms of graft survival rate or epithelial repair. However, corneal opacity was observed in the LSC group (in 3 of 8 rabbits), but not in the LSC plus LSSC group. Notably, when treating LSCD rabbits with distinguishable stromal opacification and neovascularization, cotransplantation of LSCs and LSSCs exhibited significantly better therapeutic effects than transplantation of LSCs alone, with graft survival rates of 87.5% and 37.5%, respectively. The implanted LSSCs could differentiate into keratocytes during the wound-healing process. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the stromal cells produced not only a collagen-rich extracellular matrix to facilitate reconstruction of the lamellar structure, but also niche factors that accelerated epithelial cell growth and inhibited angiogenesis and inflammation. Conclusions These findings highlight the support of stromal cells in niche homeostasis and tissue regeneration, providing LSC plus LSSC cotransplantation as a new treatment strategy for corneal blindness.
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Islam MM, Chivu A, AbuSamra DB, Saha A, Chowdhuri S, Pramanik B, Dohlman CH, Das D, Argüeso P, Rajaiya J, Patra HK, Chodosh J. Crosslinker-free collagen gelation for corneal regeneration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9108. [PMID: 35650270 PMCID: PMC9160259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of an artificial cornea can potentially fulfil the demand of donor corneas for transplantation as the number of donors is far less than needed to treat corneal blindness. Collagen-based artificial corneas stand out as a regenerative option, having promising clinical outcomes. Collagen crosslinked with chemical crosslinkers which modify the parent functional groups of collagen. However, crosslinkers are usually cytotoxic, so crosslinkers need to be removed from implants completely before application in humans. In addition, crosslinked products are mechanically weak and susceptible to enzymatic degradation. We developed a crosslinker free supramolecular gelation strategy using pyrene conjugated dipeptide amphiphile (PyKC) consisting of lysine and cysteine; in which collagen molecules are intertwined inside the PyKC network without any functional group modification of the collagen. The newly developed collagen implants (Coll-PyKC) are optically transparent and can effectively block UV light, are mechanically and enzymatically stable, and can be sutured. The Coll-PyKC implants support the growth and function of all corneal cells, trigger anti-inflammatory differentiation while suppressing the pro-inflammatory differentiation of human monocytes. Coll-PyKC implants can restrict human adenovirus propagation. Therefore, this crosslinker-free strategy can be used for the repair, healing, and regeneration of the cornea, and potentially other damaged organs of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mirazul Islam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexandru Chivu
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Dina B AbuSamra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Amrita Saha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sumit Chowdhuri
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bapan Pramanik
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Claes H Dohlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Debapratim Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Pablo Argüeso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jaya Rajaiya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Hirak K Patra
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - James Chodosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Abstract
The successful transplantation of stem cells has the potential to transform regenerative medicine approaches and open promising avenues to repair, replace, and regenerate diseased, damaged, or aged tissues. However, pre-/post-transplantation issues of poor cell survival, retention, cell fate regulation, and insufficient integration with host tissues constitute significant challenges. The success of stem cell transplantation depends upon the coordinated sequence of stem cell renewal, specific lineage differentiation, assembly, and maintenance of long-term function. Advances in biomaterials can improve pre-/post-transplantation outcomes by integrating biophysiochemical cues and emulating tissue microenvironments. This review highlights leading biomaterials-based approaches for enhancing stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhushan N Kharbikar
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Priya Mohindra
- UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tejal A Desai
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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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.
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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:
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Sonawane A, Vadloori B, Poosala S, Kandarova H, Kulkarni M, Olayanju A, Dey T, Saxena U, Smirnova L, Kanda Y, Reddy J, Dravida S, Biswas S, Vinken M, Gettayacamin M, Ahluwalia A, Mondini F, Bhattacharya S, Kulkarni P, Jacobsen KR, Vangala S, Millás AL. Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Hyderabad, 2021. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:156-171. [PMID: 35410493 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221089216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The fact that animal models fail to replicate human disease faithfully is now being widely accepted by researchers across the globe. As a result, they are exploring the use of alternatives to animal models. The time has come to refine our experimental practices, reduce the numbers and eventually replace the animals used in research with human-derived and human-relevant 3-D disease models. Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, which is an innovative biotechnology start-up company based in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, India, organises an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. In 2021, this conference was on 'Advances in Research Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives'. This annual conference is a platform that brings together eminent scientists and researchers from various parts of the world, to share recent advances from their research in the field of alternatives to animals including new approach methodologies, and to promote practices to help refine animal experiments where alternatives are not available. This report presents the proceedings of the conference, which was held in hybrid mode (i.e. virtual and in-person) in November 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Kandarova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Science, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Tuli Dey
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | | | - Lena Smirnova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Montip Gettayacamin
- Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC international), USA
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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Kumar A, Yun H, Funderburgh ML, Du Y. Regenerative therapy for the Cornea. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:101011. [PMID: 34530154 PMCID: PMC8918435 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost layer of the eye, unique in its transparency and strength. The cornea not only transmits the light essential for vision, also refracts light, giving focus to images. Each of the three layers of the cornea has properties essential for the function of vision. Although the epithelium can often recover from injury quickly by cell division, loss of limbal stem cells can cause severe corneal surface abnormalities leading to corneal blindness. Disruption of the stromal extracellular matrix and loss of cells determining this structure, the keratocytes, leads to corneal opacity. Corneal endothelium is the inner part of the cornea without self-renewal capacity. It is very important to maintain corneal dehydration and transparency. Permanent damage to the corneal stroma or endothelium can be effectively treated by corneal transplantation; however, there are drawbacks to this procedure, including a shortage of donors, the need for continuing treatment to prevent rejection, and limits to the survival of the graft, averaging 10-20 years. There exists a need for new strategies to promote regeneration of the stromal structure and restore vision. This review highlights critical contributions in regenerative medicine with the aim of corneal reconstruction after injury or disease. These approaches include corneal stromal stem cells, corneal limbal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other adult stem cells, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell-derived trophic factors in the forms of secretomes or exosomes for corneal regeneration are also discussed. Corneal sensory nerve regeneration promoting corneal transparency is discussed. This article provides description of the up-to-date options for corneal regeneration and presents exciting possible avenues for future studies toward clinical applications for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Torsahakul C, Israsena N, Khramchantuk S, Ratanavaraporn J, Dhitavat S, Rodprasert W, Nantavisai S, Sawangmake C. Bio-fabrication of stem-cell-incorporated corneal epithelial and stromal equivalents from silk fibroin and gelatin-based biomaterial for canine corneal regeneration. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263141. [PMID: 35120168 PMCID: PMC8815981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal grafts are the imperative clinical treatment for canine corneal blindness. To serve the growing demand, this study aimed to generate tissue-engineered canine cornea in part of the corneal epithelium and underlying stroma based on canine limbal epithelial stem cells (cLESCs) seeded silk fibroin/gelatin (SF/G) film and canine corneal stromal stem cells (cCSSCs) seeded SF/G scaffold, respectively. Both cell types were successfully isolated by collagenase I. SF/G corneal films and stromal scaffolds served as the prospective substrates for cLESCs and cCSSCs by promoting cell adhesion, cell viability, and cell proliferation. The results revealed the upregulation of tumor protein P63 (P63) and ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (Abcg2) of cLESCs as well as Keratocan (Kera), Lumican (Lum), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1) and Aquaporin 1 (Aqp1) of differentiated keratocytes. Moreover, immunohistochemistry illustrated the positive staining of tumor protein P63 (P63), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1), lumican (Lum) and collagen I (Col-I), which are considerable for native cornea. This study manifested a feasible platform to construct tissue-engineered canine cornea for functional grafts and positively contributed to the body of knowledge related to canine corneal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutirat Torsahakul
- Graduate program in Veterinary Bioscience, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipan Israsena
- Stem Cell and Cell Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Khramchantuk
- Excellence Center for Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Ratanavaraporn
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering for Medical and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirakarnt Dhitavat
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watchareewan Rodprasert
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Nantavisai
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chenphop Sawangmake
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry (CERD), Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Li H, You S, Yang X, Liu S, Hu L. Injectable recombinant human collagen-derived material with high cell adhesion activity limits adverse remodelling and improves pelvic floor function in pelvic floor dysfunction rats. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2022; 134:112715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2022.112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sharifi S, Sharifi H, Akbari A, Lei F, Dohlman CH, Gonzalez-Andrades M, Guild C, Paschalis EI, Chodosh J. Critical media attributes in E-beam sterilization of corneal tissue. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:218-227. [PMID: 34755604 PMCID: PMC8738149 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
When ionizing irradiation interacts with a media, it can form reactive species that can react with the constituents of the system, leading to eradication of bioburden and sterilization of the tissue. Understanding the media's properties such as polarity is important to control and direct those reactive species to perform desired reactions. Using ethanol as a polarity modifier of water, we herein generated a series of media with varying relative polarities for electron beam (E-beam) irradiation of cornea at 25 kGy and studied how the irradiation media's polarity impacts properties of the cornea. After irradiation of corneal tissues, mechanical (tensile strength and modulus, elongation at break, and compression modulus), chemical, optical, structural, degradation, and biological properties of the corneal tissues were evaluated. Our study showed that irradiation in lower relative polarity media improved structural properties of the tissues yet reduced optical transmission; higher relative polarity reduced structural and optical properties of the cornea; and intermediate relative polarity (ethanol concentrations = 20-30% (v/v)) improved the structural properties, without compromising optical characteristics. Regardless of media polarity, irradiation did not negatively impact the biocompatibility of the corneal tissue. Our data shows that the absorbed ethanol can be flushed from the irradiated cornea to levels that are nontoxic to corneal and retinal cells. These findings suggest that the relative polarity of the irradiation media can be tuned to generate sterilized tissues, including corneal grafts, with engineered properties that are required for specific biomedical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Extending the shelf-life of corneal tissue can improve general accessibility of cornea grafts for transplantation. Irradiation of donor corneas with E-beam is an emerging technology to sterilize the corneal tissues and enable their long-term storage at room temperature. Despite recent applications in clinical medicine, little is known about the effect of irradiation and preservation media's characteristics, such as polarity on the properties of irradiated corneas. Here, we have showed that the polarity of the media can be a valuable tool to change and control the properties of the irradiated tissue for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding authors: James Chodosh, MD MPH, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. , Sina Sharifi, PhD, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Hannah Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Akbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Research Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fengyang Lei
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claes H. Dohlman
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Gonzalez-Andrades
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Department of Ophthalmology, Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Eleftherios I. Paschalis
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Chodosh
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding authors: James Chodosh, MD MPH, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. , Sina Sharifi, PhD, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Sharifi S, Sharifi H, Akbari A, Dohlman CH, Paschalis EI, Gonzalez-Andrades M, Kong J, Chodosh J. Graphene-Lined Porous Gelatin Glycidyl Methacrylate Hydrogels: Implications for Tissue Engineering. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2021; 4:12650-12662. [PMID: 35252778 PMCID: PMC8897984 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c03201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite rigorous research, inferior mechanical properties and structural homogeneity are the main challenges constraining hydrogel's suturability to host tissue and limiting its clinical applications. To tackle those, we developed a reverse solvent interface trapping method, in which organized, graphene-coated microspherical cavities were introduced into a hydrogel to create heterogeneity and make it suturable. To generate those cavities, (i) graphite exfoliates to graphene sheets, which spread at the water/ heptane interfaces of the microemulsion, (ii) heptane fills the microspheres coated by graphene, and (iii) a cross-linkable hydrogel dissolved in water fills the voids. Cross-linking solidifies such microemulsion to a strong, suturable, permanent hybrid architecture, which has better mechanical properties, yet it is biocompatible and supports cell adhesion and proliferation. These properties along with the ease and biosafety of fabrication suggest the potential of this strategy to enhance tissue engineering outcomes by generating various suturable scaffolds for biomedical applications, such as donor cornea carriers for Boston keratoprosthesis (BK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Hannah Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Ali Akbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Research Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 57147, Iran
| | - Claes H Dohlman
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Eleftherios I Paschalis
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Miguel Gonzalez-Andrades
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States; Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Department of Ophthalmology, Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14004, Spain
| | - Jing Kong
- Department of Electrical Engineering andComputer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - James Chodosh
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
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Holland G, Pandit A, Sánchez-Abella L, Haiek A, Loinaz I, Dupin D, Gonzalez M, Larra E, Bidaguren A, Lagali N, Moloney EB, Ritter T. Artificial Cornea: Past, Current, and Future Directions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:770780. [PMID: 34869489 PMCID: PMC8632951 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.770780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are a leading cause of blindness with an estimated 10 million patients diagnosed with bilateral corneal blindness worldwide. Corneal transplantation is highly successful in low-risk patients with corneal blindness but often fails those with high-risk indications such as recurrent or chronic inflammatory disorders, history of glaucoma and herpetic infections, and those with neovascularisation of the host bed. Moreover, the need for donor corneas greatly exceeds the supply, especially in disadvantaged countries. Therefore, artificial and bio-mimetic corneas have been investigated for patients with indications that result in keratoplasty failure. Two long-lasting keratoprostheses with different indications, the Boston type-1 keratoprostheses and osteo-odonto-keratoprostheses have been adapted to minimise complications that have arisen over time. However, both utilise either autologous tissue or an allograft cornea to increase biointegration. To step away from the need for donor material, synthetic keratoprostheses with soft skirts have been introduced to increase biointegration between the device and native tissue. The AlphaCor™, a synthetic polymer (PHEMA) hydrogel, addressed certain complications of the previous versions of keratoprostheses but resulted in stromal melting and optic deposition. Efforts are being made towards creating synthetic keratoprostheses that emulate native corneas by the inclusion of biomolecules that support enhanced biointegration of the implant while reducing stromal melting and optic deposition. The field continues to shift towards more advanced bioengineering approaches to form replacement corneas. Certain biomolecules such as collagen are being investigated to create corneal substitutes, which can be used as the basis for bio-inks in 3D corneal bioprinting. Alternatively, decellularised corneas from mammalian sources have shown potential in replicating both the corneal composition and fibril architecture. This review will discuss the limitations of keratoplasty, milestones in the history of artificial corneal development, advancements in current artificial corneas, and future possibilities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne Holland
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Laura Sánchez-Abella
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Andrea Haiek
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Damien Dupin
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | | | - Aritz Bidaguren
- Ophthalmology Department, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth B. Moloney
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Thomas Ritter
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Sharifi S, Sharifi H, Akbari A, Koza D, Dohlman CH, Paschalis EI, Chodosh J. Photo-cross-linked Gelatin Glycidyl Methacrylate/N-Vinylpyrrolidone Copolymeric Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Properties for Ocular Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7682-7691. [PMID: 35006715 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is currently the primary treatment for corneal blindness. However, severe global scarcity of donor corneas is driving the scientific community to find novel solutions. One potential solution is to replace the damaged tissue with a biocompatible artificial cornea. Here, gelatin glycidyl methacrylate (GM) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP) were cocrosslinked to afford a hybrid bicomponent copolymeric hydrogel with excellent mechanical, structural, and biological properties. Our studies showed that the GM/VP ratio can be adjusted to generate a construct with high tensile modulus and strength of 1.6 and 1.0 MPa, respectively, compared to 14 and 7.5 MPa for human cornea. The construct can tolerate up to 22.4 kPa pressure before retention sutures can tear through it. Due to the presence of a synthetic component, it has a significantly higher stability against collagenase induced degradation, yet it is biocompatible and promotes cellular adhesion, proliferation, and migration under in vitro settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Hannah Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Ali Akbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Research Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, 57147, Urmia, Iran
| | - Darrell Koza
- Department of Physical Sciences, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Connecticut 06226, United States
| | - Claes H Dohlman
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Eleftherios I Paschalis
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - James Chodosh
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
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48
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Chameettachal S, Puranik CJ, Veluthedathu MN, Chalil NB, John R, Pati F. Thickening of Ectatic Cornea through Regeneration Using Decellularized Corneal Matrix Injectable Hydrogel: A Strategic Advancement to Mitigate Corneal Ectasia. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7300-7313. [PMID: 35006959 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ectatic corneal diseases are a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive thinning and outward bulging of the cornea, resulting in vision impairment. A few attempts have been made to use cornea-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for corneal tissue engineering; however, no studies have investigated its application in corneal ectasia. In this study, we have first developed an animal surgical model that mimics a few specific phenotypes of ectatic cornea. Later, we investigated the potential of decellularized cornea matrix hydrogels (dCMH) from both human and bovine sources in increasing the thickness of the cornea in the developed surgical model. Our data advocate that surgical stromal depletion can be followed to establish ectatic models and can also provide information on the biocompatibility of materials, its integration with native stroma, degradation over time, and tissue remodeling. We observed that dCMH from both sources could integrate with ectatic thin corneal stroma and helps in regaining the thickness by regenerating a reasonably functional and transparent stroma; however, no significant difference was spotted between the dCMH made from human and bovine corneal tissue sources. Hence, this study is a promising step toward developing a non-invasive technique for the treatment of corneal ectasia by using dCMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Charuta J Puranik
- Oculus Regenerus Eye Care and Research Center, Nanalnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India
| | - Mohamed Nijas Veluthedathu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Najathulla Bhagavathi Chalil
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy , Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Renu John
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
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49
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Qiao X, Chen D, Huo H, Tang M, Tang Z, Dong Y, Liu X, Fan Y. Full-field strain mapping for characterization of structure-related variation in corneal biomechanical properties using digital image correlation (DIC) technology. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2021.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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50
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Poudel BK, Robert MC, Simpson FC, Malhotra K, Jacques L, LaBarre P, Griffith M. In situ Tissue Regeneration in the Cornea from Bench to Bedside. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:506-526. [PMID: 34380144 DOI: 10.1159/000514690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness accounts for 5.1% of visual deficiency and is the fourth leading cause of blindness globally. An additional 1.5-2 million people develop corneal blindness each year, including many children born with or who later develop corneal infections. Over 90% of corneal blind people globally live in low- and middle-income regions (LMIRs), where corneal ulcers are approximately 10-fold higher compared to high-income countries. While corneal transplantation is an effective option for patients in high-income countries, there is a considerable global shortage of corneal graft tissue and limited corneal transplant programs in many LMIRs. In situ tissue regeneration aims to restore diseases or damaged tissues by inducing organ regeneration. This can be achieved in the cornea using biomaterials based on extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and silk. Solid corneal implants based on recombinant human collagen type III were successfully implanted into patients resulting in regeneration of the corneal epithelium, stroma, and sub-basal nerve plexus. As ECM crosslinking and manufacturing methods improve, the focus of biomaterial development has shifted to injectable, in situ gelling formulations. Collagen, collagen-mimetic, and gelatin-based in situ gelling formulas have shown the ability to repair corneal wounds, surgical incisions, and perforations in in-vivo models. Biomaterial approaches may not be sufficient to treat inflammatory conditions, so other cell-free therapies such as treatment with tolerogenic exosomes and extracellular vesicles may improve treatment outcomes. Overall, many of the technologies described here show promise as future medical devices or combination products with cell or drug-based therapies. In situ tissue regeneration, particularly with liquid formulas, offers the ability to triage and treat corneal injuries and disease with a single regenerative solution, providing alternatives to organ transplantation and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijay K Poudel
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Robert
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fiona C Simpson
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Institut du Génie Biomédicale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kamal Malhotra
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ludovic Jacques
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - May Griffith
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Institut du Génie Biomédicale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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