Comparative experimental study of transparency, mechanical properties and biodegradation of synthetic polymer matrices as possible carriers for cultured limbal epithelial stem cells

Purpose. To investigate the transparency, mechanical properties and terms of biodegradation of certain types of synthetic polyester matrices – poly(lactide-glycolide) (PLG), poly(lactide-caprolactone) (PLC) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as possible carriers for cultured limbal epithelial stem cells. Material and methods. In the course of the study, the transparency of all polyester matrices of various thicknesses was evaluated by the width of the scattering angle of a helium-neon laser beam with a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The mechanical properties of the matrices (only 5 microns thick) and amniotic membrane (AM) (strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity) were studied under their uniaxial tension on a universal installation. Biodegradation was evaluated for all matrices from PLG, PLC and PCL – on 18 rabbits (12 eyes). The matrices were transplanted and sewn onto intact corneas. The biodegradation of the matrices was evaluated on the 3rd, 10th, 21st and 30th days after surgery. Results. The optical and mechanical properties of matrices made of polylactide-glycolide (PLG), polylactide-caprolactone (PLC) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were studied during the study. The terms of biodegradation of matrices from PLC with a thickness of 5 microns were about 30 days. Conclusion. Taking into account the optimal combination of strength, elasticity, elasticity and transparency, the most acceptable for use as a carrier for transplantation of cultured LESC in order to eliminate limbal insufficiency is a matrix of PLC with a thickness of 5 microns. Keywords: transparency, mechanical properties, biodegradation, polymer matrices