Constructing a Novel Three-Dimensional Biomimetic Corneal Endothelium Graft by Culturing Corneal Endothelium Cells on Compressed Collagen Gels

BACKGROUND: Endothelium allotransplantation is the primary treatment for corneal decompensation. The worldwide shortage of donor corneal tissue has led to increasing pressure to seek an alternative for surgical restoration of corneal endothelium. Compressed collagen (CC) gels have excellent biocompatibility, simple preparation course and easy to be manipulated. This study aimed to form a new biomimetic endothelium graft by CC. METHODS: We expanded bovine corneal endothelial cells (B-CECs) on laminin-coated CC to form a biomimetic endothelium graft. Scanning electron microscope was used for ultrastructural analysis and tight junction protein ZO-1 expression was tested by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The biomimetic endothelium graft, we conducted had normal cell morphology, ultrastructure and higher cell density (3612.2 ± 43.4 cells/mm(2)). ZO-1 localization at B-CECs membrane indicated the bioengineered graft possess the basic endothelium function. CONCLUSIONS: A biomimetic endothelium graft with B-CECs expanded on CC sheet was constructed, which possessed cells' morphology similar to that of in vivo endothelial cells and specific basic function of endothelium layer. This method provided the possibility of using one donor's cornea to form multiple uniformed endothelium grafts so as to overcome the shortage of cadaveric cornea tissue.