Characterization of a Hydrogel Derived from Decellularized Corneal Extracellular Matrix

Biological scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) are often used to facilitate wound healing in a variety of tissues in clinical and preclinical studies. Recently, ECM hydrogels have been widely used because of their advantages, such as a variable composition, good biocompatibility, and the ability to fill an irregularly shaped space. The objectives of the present study were to characterize a hydrogel from porcine corneal ECM (CM) and to evaluate the proliferation of keratocytes and corneal endothelial cells on the gel in vitro. The results showed that CM hydrogels retain a complex corneal ECM (CM) arrangement of proteins and peptides, and, at comparable ECM concentrations, these CM hydrogels have distinct compositions and biomechanical properties. Furthermore, the CM hydrogels are cytocompatible and promote keratocyte and corneal endothelial cell proliferation in vitro. The unique composition and biological properties of CM hydrogel suggest it may be useful for cornea regenerative applications.