Experimental Study of the Effect of Corneal Bio-Coating Based on the Original Hydrogel Biopolymer Scaffold on the Anterior Segment Structures of the Eye.

Abstract

In recent years, there have been proposed various kinds of bioengineering constructions of scaffolds - biomaterial structures serving as substrates for restoration and regeneration of tissues. They possess marked biocompatibility, are capable of supporting high concentration of substances delivered to the injured tissues, and may be standardized in the process of fabrication. The aim of the investigation is to study experimentally the effect of the bio-coating based on the original hydrogel biopolymer scaffold on the intact structures of the anterior segment of the eye and its adnexa and evaluate its safety.

Materials and methods: The experimental study was carried out on 6 rabbits (6 eyes). The original hydrogel biopolymer scaffold of 10.0 mm in diameter, 1.5 and 2.0 mm thick was used as a bio-coating for the cornea. On days 3, 7, and 9 from the beginning of the experiment, the results were histologically tested.

Results: On days 3 and 7 of the experiment, histological investigations did not find any structural changes of the anterior segment of the eye and differences between the scaffolds of various thicknesses. The stroma, Descemet's membrane, endothelium, and general topography of the intercellular matrix were not altered. On day 9, structural changes of the anterior segment were not revealed either in the experiment with the 1.5 mm thick scaffold. Histological investigations of the specimen with the 2.0 mm scaffold showed alterations in the form of epithelium thickening, signs of pseudostratified basal layer, hyperplasia of the wing cell layer with the increased number of its layers, greater number of cellular elements in the anterior stroma layers. No structural changes of the Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelium were noted.

Conclusion: The suggested hydrogel scaffold-based bio-coating is subject to self-biodegradation without any sequelae to the eye and its adnexa. Increased thickness of the bio-coating results in deceleration of its biodegradation and enhanced activity of proliferative processes in the epithelium and anterior stromal layers, which is indirect evidence of improved regenerative properties of these tissues.