Abstract
Collagens represent a major group of structural proteins expressed in different tissues and display distinct and variable properties. Whilst collagens are non-transparent in the skin, they confer transparency in the cornea and crystalline lens of the eye. There are 28 types of collagen that all share a common triple helix structure yet differ in the composition of their α-chains leading to their different properties. The different organization of collagen fibers also contributes to the variable tissue morphology. The important ability of collagen to form different tissues has led to the exploration and application of collagen as a biomaterial. Collagen type I (Col-I) and collagen type IV (Col-IV) are the two primary collagens found in corneal and lens tissues. Both collagens provide structure and transparency, essential for a clear vision. This review explores the application of these two collagen types as novel biomaterials in bioengineering unique tissue that could be used to treat a variety of ocular diseases leading to blindness.
Highlights
The cornea and lens facilitate a pathway for light to pass through the eye to reach the retina, which receives and transfers visual signals onto the brain for processing
Tissue engineering in the retina has previously been investigated, with studies using a range of materials including decellularised natural tissues, such as amniotic membrane, lens capsule, Bruch’s membrane (BM), collagen I as well as synthetic materials [122]; to date, there are no reports of Collagen type IV (Col-IV) usage in such retinal bioprinting studies
We have reviewed the application of tissue engineering in the cornea, the lens, and the retina with a focus on collagen type I (Col-I) and ColIV
Summary
The cornea and lens facilitate a pathway for light to pass through the eye to reach the retina, which receives and transfers visual signals onto the brain for processing. Tissue engineering in the retina has previously been investigated, with studies using a range of materials including decellularised natural tissues, such as amniotic membrane, lens capsule, Bruch’s membrane (BM), collagen I as well as synthetic materials [122]; to date, there are no reports of Col-IV usage in such retinal bioprinting studies. Since Col-I is the major component of the human corneal stroma, most of the bioink under current investigation for use in corneal applications contains this as its major constituent; this is usually combined with other materials in order to gain enough printability or postprinting mechanical properties.
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