PCL Scaffold Combined with Rat Tail Collagen Type I to Reduce Keratocyte Differentiation and Prevent Corneal Stroma Fibrosis after Injury.

Abstract The cornea is one of the major refractive eye components with significant functions, and its transparency is essential for clear vision. With regard to corneal injury, the corneal epithelium has a strong self-healing ability, while the corneal stroma is not capable of total self-repair. Therefore, preventing fibrosis and reducing keratocyte differentiation after injury have always been a challenge. The severe shortage of donor corneas for transplantation and transplant rejection prompted the development of corneal tissue engineering. In this study, we fabricated a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibrous scaffold and infused the scaffold with rat tail collagen type I to obtain a 3D composite material. The PCL/collagen scaffold was designed to fabricate an optimal construct that simulates the stromal structure with properties that are most similar to the native cornea. The PCL scaffold has good mechanical properties, and infusion with rat tail collagen type I improved its biocompatibility. The results demonstrate that 3D composite material could reduce keratocyte differentiation, help achieve regular collagen distribution, and promote corneal repair.