In vivo biocompatibility evaluation of in situ-forming polyethylene glycol-collagen hydrogels in corneal defects

Abstract

The available treatment options include corneal transplantation for significant corneal defects and opacity. However, shortage of donor corneas and safety issues in performing corneal transplantation are the main limitations. Accordingly, we adopted the injectable in situ-forming hydrogels of collagen type I crosslinked via multifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG)-N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for treatment and evaluated in vivo biocompatibility. The New Zealand White rabbits (N = 20) were randomly grouped into the keratectomy-only and keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated groups. Samples were processed for immunohistochemical evaluation. In both clinical and histologic observations, epithelial cells were able to migrate and form multilayers over the PEG-collagen hydrogels at the site of the corneal stromal defect. There was no evidence of inflammatory or immunological reactions or increased IOP for PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated corneas during the four weeks of observation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the superior corneal stroma of the keratectomy-only group (indicative of fibrotic healing), whereas low stromal α-SMA expression was detected in the keratectomy with PEG-collagen hydrogel-treated group. Taken together, we suggest that PEG-collagen may be used as a safe and effective alternative in treating corneal defect in clinical setting.

A Comprehensive Review on Collagen Type I Development of Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering: From Biosynthesis to Bioscaffold

“…Researchers expanded on new technology to create various forms of scaffolds for different applications such as foam [ 216 ] via freeze-drying or organised lattices through electrospinning [ 217 , 218 ]. Some injectable materials, such as hydrogel, are preferred for their applications such as corneal or periodontal injection [ 219 , 220 ]. Scaffolds with collagen type I were also studied for drug delivery mechanisms including nanoparticles [ 221 , 222 , 223 ].…”

3D Bioprinting of Multi-Material Decellularized Liver Matrix Hydrogel at Physiological Temperatures

“…Herein, we develop a novel dLM (decellularized liver extracellular matrix)-based bioink with gelatin as a rheology enhancer that is jointly crosslinked chemically by succinimidyl valerate-polyethylene glycol- succinimidyl valerate (x-PEG-x, x = succinimidyl valerate) ( Figure 1 ). PEG is an FDA-approved biomaterial that utilizes the typical functional group [ 38 ] (amines) in both dLM and gelatin to form a robust bioink (dLM-G-PEG, G = gelatin) via the cytocompatible gelation method. The 3D bioprinting is conducted under physiological conditions at 37 °C with HepG2 cells to develop a four-layer grid structure.…”

Novel Application of Photo-Crosslinked Urocanic-Acid-Modified Chitosan in Corneal Wounds

“…Erkoc et al replaced the photoinitiator Irgacure 2959 with less cytotoxic eosin Y and used visible light as photoinduction source in developing glioblastoma multiforme mimetic microenvironment . Recently, these gelatin-based bioadhesive hydrogels have been studied as tissue adhesives for keratectomy. , Also, collagen-like peptides poly­(ethylene glycol) (CLP-PEG) is a widely studied option in tissue healing. The crosslinking is induced by riboflavin under the irradiation of UVA light.…”

“…Most of the adhesive hydrogels for corneal injuries were applied for keratectomy, partial-thickness stroma defects, and corneal incision wounds with or without suture reinforcement. − In general, punctured cornea injuries are difficult to treat, and there are not many therapeutic methods that can be used. There are few references on novel tissue adhesives for corneal perforation.…”