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Corneal epithelialisation on surface-modified hydrogel implants

Authors :
Francis Martin
Bojun Zhao
Adam J. Bentley
Nigel J. Fullwood
Sheila MacNeil
Arun Brahma
Aihua Ma
Stephen Rimmer
Source :
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine. 22:663-670
Publication Year :
2011
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2011.

Abstract

The objective was to investigate corneal re-epithelialisation of surface-modified polymethacrylate hydrogel implants in order to evaluate them as potential materials for an artificial cornea. Polymethacrylate hydrogels were modified with amines and then coated with different extracellular matrix proteins (collagen I, IV, laminin and fibronectin). The modified hydrogels were surgically implanted into bovine corneas maintained in a 3-D culture system for 5 days. The epithelial growth across the implant surface was evaluated using fluorescent, light and electron microscopy. Full epithelialisation was achieved on 1,4-diaminobutane-modified hydrogels after coating with collagen IV. Hydrogels modified with 1,4-diaminobutane but without further coating only showed partial re-epithelialisation. Hydrogels modified with other amines (1,2-diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane) showed only partial re-epithelialisation; further coating with extracellular matrix proteins improved epithelialisation of these surfaces but did not result in complete re-epithelialisation. Evaluation of the corneas implanted with the 1,4-diaminobutane-modified hydrogels coated with collagen IV showed that the artificial corneas remain clear, integrate well and become covered by a healthy stratified epithelium. In conclusion the 1,4-diaminobutane surface-modified hydrogel coated with collagen IV supported the growth of a stable stratified epithelium. With further refinement this hydrogel has the potential to be used clinically for an artificial cornea.

Details

ISSN :
15734838 and 09574530
Volume :
22
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....452bccb6734f3437ebb564a6bb0182a6
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-011-4244-4