Developing a Novel Platelet-Rich Plasma-Laden Bioadhesive Hydrogel Contact Lens for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Chemical Injuries.

Permanent injury to corneal limbal stem cells after ocular surface chemical and thermal injuries is a major cause of corneal blindness. In this study, we manufactured a PRP-laden GelMA hydrogel contact lens aimed to support limbal niche after ocular surface insults thereby preventing limbal stem cell failure. GelMA with varying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%) was photopolymerized using a visible light crosslinking system followed by characterizations of mechanical properties, growth factor release, enzymatic degradation and in vitro cytotoxicity. Addition of 10% PRP into 10% GelMA hydrogel precursor solution resulted in highest tensile and compressive modulus (38 and 110 kPa, respectively) and burst pressure (251±37.66 mmHg). Degradation time varied according to the concentration of the collagenase enzyme tested (0 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL and 40 µg/mL) and was most prolonged with 20% PRP. EGF and TGF-β release profiles suggested an initial burst release followed by sustained release, most consistent in the 10% PRP sample. Although cell viability decreased at day 1, rapid recovery was observed and was approximately 120% after day 21. PRP-laden GelMA in the form of a contact lens may be a promising biomaterial-based treatment approach for the maintenance of limbal epithelial stem cells after ocular surface insults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.