Genipin in an Ex Vivo Corneal Model of Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis

PURPOSE: To determine whether genipin (a natural crosslinker) could reduce the colonization and proliferation of bacteria and fungi in an ex vivo model of corneal infection. METHODS: This study, using an ex vivo model of bacterial and fungal keratitis, investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of genipin crosslinking. Excised corneoscleral buttons were wounded by scalpel incision and subsequently infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Candida albicans. After inoculation, corneas were treated with genipin for 24 hours at 37°C. Histologic examinations were carried out, and the number of viable colony-forming units (CFU)/cornea was determined. RESULTS: Genipin exerts bactericidal action against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, as well as fungicidal action against C. albicans and significantly reduced the CFU compared to contralateral eyes that received saline treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data identify genipin as a novel ocular antimicrobial agent that has the potential to be incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium against microbial keratitis. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: This study provided evidence for the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of genipin as an alternative crosslinker that could be used in the management of infectious keratitis.