No abstract

Human corneal equivalents comprising the three main layers of the cornea (epithelium, stroma, and endothelium) were constructed. Each cellular layer was fabricated from immortalized human corneal cells that were screened for use on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and electrophysiological similarity to their natural counterparts. The resulting corneal equivalents mimicked human corneas in key physical and physiological functions, including morphology, biochemical marker expression, transparency, ion and fluid transport, and gene expression. Morphological and functional equivalents to human corneas that can be produced in vitro have immediate applications in toxicity and drug efficacy testing, and form the basis for future development of implantable tissues.

No abstract

Collagen can be adequately stabilized, using water soluble carbodiimides as protein cross-linking reagents, in the fabrication of corneal matrix substitutes for implantation. The simple cross-linking methodology would allow for easy fabrication of matrices for transplantation in centers where there is a shortage of corneas, or where there is need for temporary patches to repair perforations in emergency situations.

No abstract