Abstract
Purpose :
Evaluate the effectiveness of a composite membrane consisting of a modified collagen gel with decellularized AM in repairing corneal epithelial defects in a rabbit LSCD model.
Methods :
The composite membrane was achieved through mix of 5mg/ml bovine collagen with sodium hydroxide solution containing 20mm HEPES buffer (pH = 11) in equal volume in ice bath, gelation at 37°C, carefully spread the decellularized amniotic membrane on the collagen membrane. Followed by slow vitrification at 5°C for 1 day and 40°C for 1 week and rehydration in buffer. Materials were tested for transparency in the visible spectrum,and tensile property was measured by degradation rate. In vitro biocompatibility was tested using primary rabbit epithelial cells, followed by in vivo implantation in rabbit LSCD model.
Results :
The modified collagen gel with decellularized AM significantly improve the tensile property and toughness of dAM, and preserved similar levels of bioactivities as the dAM itself in supporting LSC attachment, growth and maintenance, and retained significant anti-inflammatory capacity. The composite membrane showed extended stability and conferred longer-lasting coverage on wounded cornea surface compared with dAM. The composite membrane maintained the pro-regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of dAM, promoted LSC survival, retention, and organization, improved re-epithelialization of the defect area, and reduced inflammation and neovascularization.
Conclusions :
This study demonstrates the translational potential of our composite membrane for stem cell-based treatment of ocular surface damage.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.