Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (34): 6319-6322.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.34.012

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Biocompatibility assessment of chitosan-collagen membrane at different intracorneal implantation positions

Hou Jiang-ping 1,2, Li Guo-xing 1,2, Li Yu-li 1,2,3, Gu Xin 1,2, Chen Xiao-feng 1,2,3, Chen Hao 1,2   

  1. 1 Hospital of Optometry & Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou   325027, Zhejiang Province, China; 2 Wenzhou Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Wenzhou   325027, Zhejiang Province, China; 3 Biomedical Engineering Institute, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou   510640, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2010-08-20 Published:2010-08-20
  • Contact: Chen Hao, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Hospital of Optometry & Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Wenzhou Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China chenhao823@mail.eye.ac.cn
  • About author:Hou Jiang-ping☆, Studying for doctorate, Hospital of Optometry & Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China; Wenzhou Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China houjiangping007@sohu.com
  • Supported by:

    Xinmiao Talent Program of Zhejiang Province, No. 2008R40G2090054*; Qianjiang Talent Program of Zhejiang Province, No. 2008R10041*; Key Projects in the National Science & Technology Pillar Program, No. 2006BAI16B06*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Corneal intrastromalcorneal implantation is the ideal model for biocompatibility assessment of the implanted materials, but different implanting positions may influence the material degradation and corneal metabolism, finally impacting on the biocompatibility evaluation of intracorneal implantation.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histocompatibility of chitosan-collagen membrane (30% collagen) implanted into different positions of rabbit cornea.
METHODS: Chitosan-collagen composite membrane at 20-μm thick was prepared. New Zealand rabbits were randomized divided into two groups: peripheral corneal intra-stroma implantation group of chitosan-collagen membrane; central corneal intra-stroma implantation group of the membrane. Slitlamp microscopy examinations were performed to observe the reaction of ocular surface and anterior chamber after the implantation of the membrane, the interaction between cornea and implanted membrane, the transparency of cornea were also observed. Cornea slices were obtained 6 weeks later to observe the histological changes of cornea and implanted materials at implantation site.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In peripheral corneal intra-stroma implantation group, the complex membrane gradually degraded and finally completed degraded, and the corneal structure was not markedly influenced, indicating good histocompatibility of corneal tissues. In central corneal intra-stroma implantation group, the ocular surface was stable at early stage of the implantation, also suggesting good biocompatibility. Two weeks later, the material rim became untransparent with the materials gradually degraded. At days 34 and 42, each one cornea melted accompanying inflammatory cells infiltration. Results demonstrated that thin chitosan-collagen composite membrane has good transparency and matched mechanical properties, materials implanted into the peripheral cornea may completely degrade within a short time. It may be used as a corneal restorative material, especially as the carrier of corneal limbal stem cells to repair corneal damage.

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