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- Dravida, Subhadra, et al.
(author)
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A biomimetic scaffold for culturing limbal stem cells: a promising alternative for clinical transplantation
- 2008
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In: JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE. - : John Wiley and Sons. - 1932-6254 .- 1932-7005. ; 2:5, s. 263-271
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Limbal tissues can be cultured on various types of scaffolds to create a sheet of limbal-corneal epithelium for research as well as clinical transplantation. An optically clear, biocompatible, biomimetic scaffold would be an ideal replacement graft for transplanting limbal stem cells. in this study, we evaluated the physical and culture characteristics of the recombinant human cross-linked collagen scaffold (RHC-III scaffold) and compared it with denuded human amniotic membrane (HAM). Optical/mechanical properties and microbial susceptibility were measured for the scaffolds. With the approval of the institutional review board, 2 mm. fresh human limbal tissues were cultured on 2.5 x 2.5 cm(2) scaffolds in a medium containing autologous serum in a feeder cell-free submerged system. The cultured cell systems were characterized by morphology and immunohistochemistry for putative stem cells and differentiated cell markers. The refractive index (RI) and tensile strength of the RHC-III scaffold were comparable to human cornea, with delayed in vitro degradation compared to HAM. RHC-III scaffolds were 10-fold less susceptible to microbial growth. Cultures were initiated on day 1, expanded to form a monolayer by day 3 and covered the entire growth surface in 10 days. Stratified epithelium on the scaffolds was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The cultured cells showed p63 and ABCG2 positivity in the basal layer and were immunoreactive for cytokeratin K3 and K12 in the suprabasal layers. RHC-III scaffold supports and retains the growth and stemness of limbal stem cells, in addition to resembling human cornea; thus, it could be a good replacement scaffold for growing cells for clinical transplantation.
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| 2. |
- Liu, Wenguang, et al.
(author)
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Recombinant human collagen for tissue engineered corneal substitutes
- 2008
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In: Biomaterials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0142-9612 .- 1878-5905. ; 29:9, s. 1147-1158
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We successfully fabricated transparent, robust hydrogels as corneal substitutes from concentrated recombinant human type I and type III collagen solutions crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). White light transmission through these gels is comparable or superior to that of human corneas. Hydrogels from both type I and type III collagens supported in vitro epithelium and nerve over-growth. While both these biocompatible hydrogels have adequate tensile strength and elasticity for surgical manipulation, type III collagen hydrogels tended to be mechanically superior. Twelve-month post-implantation results of type I recombinant collagen-based corneal substitutes into mini-pigs showed retention of optical clarity, along with regeneration of corneal cells, nerves and tear film. For clinical use, implants based on fully characterized, recombinant human collagen eliminate the risk of pathogen transfer or xenogeneic immuno-responses posed by animal collagens. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 3. |
- Merrett, Kimberley, et al.
(author)
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Tissue-engineered recombinant human collagen-based corneal substitutes for implantation : Performance of type I versus type III collagen
- 2008
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In: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. - : Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). - 0146-0404 .- 1552-5783. ; 49:9, s. 3887-3894
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE. To compare the efficacies of recombinant human collagens types I and III as corneal substitutes for implantation. METHODS. Recombinant human collagen (13.7%) type I or III was thoroughly mixed with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide. The final homogenous solution was either molded into sheets for in vitro studies or into implants with the appropriate corneal dimensions for transplantation into minipigs. Animals with implants were observed for up to 12 months after surgery. Clinical examinations of the cornea included detailed slit lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy, and fundus examination. Histopathologic examinations were also performed on corneas harvested after 12 months. RESULTS. Both cross-linked recombinant collagens had refractive indices of 1.35, with optical clarity similar to that in human corneas. Their chemical and mechanical properties were similar, although RHC-III implants showed superior optical clarity. Implants into pig corneas over 12 months show comparably stable integration, with regeneration of corneal cells, tear film, and nerves. Optical clarity was also maintained in both implants, as evidenced by fundus examination. CONCLUSIONS. Both RHC-I and -III implants can be safely and stably integrated into host corneas. The simple cross-linking methodology and recombinant source of materials makes them potentially safe and effective future corneal matrix substitutes.
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