Biomedicines
A Recoverable Curved Multilayer Cornea-on-a-Chip with DRGO-Derived Neurites
By Xi Wang, Jianing Gu, Chengcheng Ding and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
In vitro corneal models that combine curved geometry, multilayer tissue organization, neural components, air–liquid interface (ALI) culture, and perfusion remain limited.
Methods
We developed a recoverable curved multilayer cornea-on-a-chip (CMCoC) using a two-component polydimethylsiloxane device with a 7.8-mm-radius dome. The construct comprised an HCE-T-derived epithelial layer, human corneal stromal cells embedded in plastically compressed type I collagen, an HCEC-B4G12-containing endothelial compartment, and circumferential human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dorsal root ganglion organoids (DRGOs). After assembly, constructs were perfused for 7 days to permit peripheral neurite extension, followed by epithelial seeding and 14 days of ALI culture with continued basal perfusion.
