Delivery of Cells to the Cornea Using Synthetic Biomaterials

Abstract

The cornea is subject to a myriad of ocular conditions often attributed to cell loss or cell dysfunction. Owing to the superficial positioning of tissues composing the anterior segment of the eye, particularly the cornea, regenerative medicine in this region is aided by accessibility as compared with the invasive delivery methods required to reach deep ocular tissues. As such, cell therapies employing the use of carrier substrates have been widely explored. This review covers recent advances made in the delivery of stem cells, corneal epithelial cells, and corneal endothelial cells. Particular focus is placed on the most popular forms of synthetic scaffolds currently being examined: contact lenses, electrospun substrates, polymeric films, and hydrogels.

Mucoadhesive thermogel platform for treating anterior ocular conditions

“…9,36,37 Additionally, the thiolated adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys (RGDC) was incorporated to create a thermogel that could deliver peptides/proteins to the ocular surface. Furthermore, incorporating RGDC has the potential to create a thermogel capable of cell delivery which may be useful in the eye in corneal wound healing applications, for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency, 38 or in numerous other applications where cell delivery is required. Although the platform described in this study was created for anterior ocular applications, the system could be easily adapted to treat other mucosal surfaces within the body including the mouth, nose, intestines, and vagina.…”

Advancements in Bioengineering for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

“…• Extracellular Matrix (ECM) coatings: ECM proteins such as collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin are commonly used to coat culture surfaces. These proteins facilitate cell adhesion by interacting with specific integrin receptors on CECs, promoting cell spreading and survival [74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82].…”

“…Biocompatible hydrogels: Hydrogel matrices provide a 3D scaffold for cell culture and can be functionalized with bioactive molecules to support CEC expansion. Hydrogels mimic the hydrated environment of the cornea and can sustain long-term cell viability and function [80][81][82].…”