Poly (ɛ-caprolactone) nanofibrous ring surrounding a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for the development of a biocompatible two-part artificial cornea

Figures & data

Table 1 Tensile property of polymers

	PCL nanofibrous matrix	PVA hydrogel
Tensile modulus (MPa)	7.5	5.3
Ultimate tensile stress (MPa)	2.53 ± 0.58	0.85 ± 0.55
Ultimate tensile strain (%)	427.2 ± 24.6	284.8 ± 48.6

Abbreviations: PCL, poly (ɛ-caprolactone); PVA, polyvinyl alcohol.

Figure 1 Stress–strain curve, PCL nanofibrous matrix (A), PVA hydrogel (B).

Abbreviations: PCL, poly (ɛ-caprolactone); PVA, polyvinyl alcohol.

Figure 2 Light transmittance of wet and dry PVA hydrogel.

Abbreviation: PVA, polyvinyl alcohol.

Figure 3 SEM micrographs of PCL nanofibers (A, B) and PVA hydrogel (C).

Abbreviations: PCL, poly (ɛ-caprolactone); PVA, polyvinyl alcohol.

Figure 4 SEM micrograph (A) and DAPI staining image (B) of LSC attachment onto the surface of plasma-treated PCL nanofibers after 3 days.

Abbreviations: DAPI, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; LSC, limbal stem cell; PCL, poly (ɛ-caprolactone).

Figure 5 Proliferation of LSCs seeded on plasma-treated PCL matrix and TCPS.

Abbreviations: LSCs, limbal stem cells PCL, poly (ɛ-caprolactone); TCPS, tissue culture polystyrene.