Abstract
Severe damage to the ocular surface can result in limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency, which contributes to loss of corneal clarity, potential vision loss, chronic pain, photophobia, and keratoplasty failure. Human amniotic membrane (AM) is the most effective substrate for LSC transplantation to treat patients with LSC deficiency. However, the widespread use of the AM in the clinic remains a challenge because of the high cost for preserving freshly prepared AM and the weak mechanical strength of lyophilized AM. Here, we developed a novel composite membrane consisting of an electrospun bioabsorbable polymer fiber mesh bonded to a decellularized AM (dAM) sheet through interfacial conjugation. This membrane engineering approach drastically improved the tensile property and toughness of dAM, preserved similar levels of bioactivities as the dAM itself in supporting LSC attachment, growth, and maintenance, and retained significant anti-inflammatory capacity. These results demonstrate that the lyophilized nanofiber-dAM composite membrane offers superior mechanical properties for easy handling and suturing to the dAM, while presenting biochemical cues and basement membrane structure to facilitate LSC transplantation. This composite membrane exhibits major advantages for clinical applications in treating soft tissue damage and LSC deficiency.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
