Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research
Nanoskin® Bacterial Cellulose as a Scaffold for De-epithelialized Corneal Surface Healing
By Magda Massae Hata Viveiros, Cláudia Aparecida Rainho, Natália Resende Avelino and 7 others.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the ability of Nanoskin, a bacterial cellulose (BC) biofilm, to transfer human corneal epithelial cells (CECs) onto wounded rabbit corneas, evaluating integration and re-epithelialization of the ocular surface.
Methods
Primary cultures of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were established and differentiated into CECs, which were then seeded onto Nanoskin BC or soft contact lenses. Wounded rabbit corneas were covered with human CECs on BC biofilms or contact lenses and maintained in organ culture for 5 days. The control group was left untreated. Integration and reepithelialization were assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) staining with human anti-nuclei antibodies.