Corneal Epithelial Scaffolds Based on Chitosan Membranes Containing Collagen and Keratin

Abstract

Novel biodegradable and resorbable polymeric membranes that can function as supports for corneal epithelial cells cultures were developed. The materials used to synthesize these supports are natural polymers (i.e., chitosan, collagen and keratin [7 and 17% w/w]). The membranes were crosslinked with a natural crosslinker, genipin. The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the membranes were determined. It was found that the addition of keratin results in the appearance of antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and in increased elasticity of the membranes.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Cell culture
• chitosan
• collagen
• corneal epithelium
• genipin
• keratin
• scaffold

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Eng. Ewa Stodolak (Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland) for performing the mechanical tests.

Notes

Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/gpom.