Fabrication of a corneal-limbal tissue substitute using silk fibroin

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:1014:165-78. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-432-6_11.

Abstract

Fibroin extracted from silkworm cocoon silk provides an intriguing and potentially important biomaterial for corneal reconstruction. In this chapter we outline our methods for producing a composite of two fibroin-based materials that support the cocultivation of human limbal epithelial (HLE) cells and human limbal stromal (HLS) cells. The resulting tissue substitute consists of a stratified epithelium overlying a three-dimensional arrangement of extracellular matrix components (principally "degummed" fibroin fibers) and mesenchymal stromal cells. This tissue substitute is currently being evaluated as a tool for reconstructing the corneal limbus and corneal epithelium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Fibroins / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Limbus Corneae / cytology
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Organoids / cytology
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Tissue Engineering*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Fibroins