Corneal implantation with collagen-copolymer matrices

A transparent matrix composed of collagen and poly(N, N-dimethylacrylamide- co-acryloxysuccimide), 8mm in diameter and 350μm thick was implanted into pigs' corneas using the lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) technique. No adverse immune or inflammatory reaction was observed during 4 month implantation period. Regenerated nerve filaments were observed in the subepithelial region and stroma by confocal microscopy. The endothelium of the operated eye was not touched by LKP and remained similar to that of the contra lateral (not operated) eye. The implant remained transparent over the four-month post-operative period, and clinical topography showed reconstitution of a smooth cornea surface. These preliminary results indicated that a new, functional cornea was re-established from the implanted biosynthetic matrix. This bio-synthetic matrix may have applications in other tissue engineering areas, especially where innervation is important.