Corneal epithelialisation on surface-modified hydrogel implants: artificial XXXX .

@entity9373 @entity17085 @entity267 @entity7225 @entity4478 @entity7224 @entity291
The objective was to investigate corneal re-epithelialisation of surface-modified polymethacrylate hydrogel implants in order to evaluate them as potential materials for an artificial @entity267 . @entity17085 hydrogels were modified with @entity4478 and then coated with different extracellular matrix proteins (collagen I, IV, laminin and fibronectin). The modified hydrogels were surgically implanted into @entity291 corneas maintained in a 3-D culture system for 5 days. The epithelial growth across the implant surface was evaluated using fluorescent, light and electron microscopy. Full epithelialisation was achieved on @entity7224 -modified hydrogels after coating with collagen IV. Hydrogels modified with @entity7224 but without further coating only showed partial re-epithelialisation. Hydrogels modified with other @entity4478 ( @entity9373 or @entity7225 ) showed only partial re-epithelialisation; further coating with extracellular matrix proteins improved epithelialisation of these surfaces but did not result in complete re-epithelialisation. Evaluation of the corneas implanted with the @entity7224 -modified hydrogels coated with collagen IV showed that the artificial corneas remain clear, integrate well and become covered by a healthy stratified epithelium. In conclusion the @entity7224 surface-modified hydrogel coated with collagen IV supported the growth of a stable stratified epithelium. With further refinement this hydrogel has the potential to be used clinically for an artificial @entity267 .
