Plant Recombinant Human Collagen Type I Hydrogels for Corneal Regeneration

• DOI: 10.1007/s40883-021-00220-3
• Publication Date: 2021-08-06T15:03:24Z
• Authors: Michel Haagdorens; Elle Edin; Per Fagerholm; Marc Groleau; Zvi Shtein; Artūras Ulčinas; Amit Yaari; Ayan Samanta; Vytautas Cepla; Aneta Liszka; Marie-José Tassignon; Fiona Simpson; Oded Shoseyov; Ramūnas Valiokas; Isabel Pintelon; Monika Kozak Ljun...; May Griffith
• Keywords: Biocompatibility; Carbodiimide

Abstract Purpose To determine feasibility of plant-derived recombinant human collagen type I (RHCI) for use in corneal regenerative implants Methods RHCI was crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to form hydrogels. Application shear force liquid crystalline aligned the fibrils. Both random hydrogels were evaluated mechanical optical properties, as well vitro biocompatibility. Further evaluation performed vivo by subcutaneous implantation rats Göttingen minipigs. Results Spontaneous crosslinking randomly (rRHCI) formed robust, transparent that sufficient implantation. Aligning (aRHCI) resulted thicker fibrils forming an opaque hydrogel insufficient transverse strength surgical manipulation. rRHCI showed minimal inflammation when implanted subcutaneously rats. The minipigs promoted regeneration epithelium, stroma, nerves; some myofibroblasts seen regenerated neo-corneas. Conclusion Plant-derived used fabricate a is transparent, mechanically stable, biocompatible grafted determined be safe alternative allografts, animal collagens, or yeast-derived tissue engineering applications. main advantage unlike donor corneas yeast-produced collagen, supply potentially unlimited due high yields this production method. Lay Summary A severe shortage human-donor transplantation has led scientists develop synthetic alternatives. Here, made tobacco plants through genetic tested making implants. We strong, implanting plant able stably regenerate comparable we previously clinical trials. limitless.