Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial composite scaffold consisting of gelatin, embryonic membrane powder, and cationic peptide in the treatment of corneal damage
Naghmeh Rafati 1 *, azadeh asefnejad2 , Hossein Aghamollaei 3
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Vision Health Research center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Abstract: Gelatin has been used as a suitable substrate in tissue engineering and the embryonic membrane is an approved agent for the treatment of different eye diseases.
Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge in the world. This problem is more critical in the cornea due to its immune importance. A substrate with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects can be applicable for the treatment of a wide range of eye disorders. The aim of this study was to design, synthesize, and characterize novel antibacterial substrates based on gelatin, peptide, and embryonic membranes for use in corneal tissue engineering.
Methods: In this study, 10% gelatin substrate was prepared along with amniotic membrane and CM11 peptide, then integrated and transparent substrates were prepared by NHS/EDC cross-linking agents, and they were designed in the form of contact lenses via spine molding instrument. This construct was characterized by, FTIR, XRD, FESE, tensile, light transmission, live/dead assay, MTT, and disk diffusion. Finally, the safety of the scaffold was evaluated in the animal’s eye.
Results: According to the conducted tests, the composite was transparent, and FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis confirmed the suitable interactions of the scaffold. It has been confirmed through cell and animal studies that the prepared substrates are safe and effective in their antibacterial properties. Based on the SEM analysis presented in, it is evident that the cells exhibit a strong connection to the substrate. Based on the results of the disk diffusion test, it appears that this substrate has effective antibacterial properties as depicted. Optical coherence tomography indicated that the implanted substrate in the cornea increased the thickness of the cornea without any complications. It showed that the synthesized substrates had a good uniformity with the tissue and did not cause neovascularization, opacity, infection and inflammation in the rabbit’s eyes
Conclusion: Based on our research, we have successfully demonstrated the safety and antibacterial properties of gelatin, amniotic membrane, and CM11 peptide substrates in rabbit eyes. This substrate has the potential to effectively treat corneal diseases such as Keratoconus, thinning, and bacterial infections of the eye. Additionally, it can serve as an anti-inflammatory agent when used within the corneal tissue. These findings represent a significant step forward in the development of safe and effective treatment options for these conditions.
