Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the efficacies of recombinant human collagens as corneal substitutes for implantation in end stage keratoconus.
Methods :
Recombinant human donated collagen was completely mixed with N-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. The last homogenous solution was either shaped into sheets for in vitro examines or into inserts with the fitting corneal measurements for transplantation into minipigs. Subjects with inserts were followed for up to one year after surgery. Clinical examinations of the cornea included definite slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, and in vivo confocal microscopy. Histopathologic examinations were also accomplished on corneas gathered after 12 months
Results :
Cross-connected recombinant collagens had refractive indices of 1.35, with optical clearness like that in human corneas. Their mechanical and chemical properties were comparative, despite the fact that RHC-III inserts demonstrated superior optical clarity. Inserts into pig corneas more than one year indicate equivalently stable integration, with regeneration of corneal cells, nerves, and tear film. Optical clearness was additionally kept up an implant, as to prove by fundus examination.
Conclusions :
Collagen donated implant can be stability and safety integrated into host corneas. The basic cross-connecting methodology and recombinant wellspring of materials make them possibly protected and compelling future corneal framework substitutes.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.