Corneal tissue engineering: recent advances and future perspectives

Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2015 Jun;21(3):278-87. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2014.0397. Epub 2015 Feb 10.

Abstract

To address the growing need for corneal transplants two main approaches are being pursued: allogenic and synthetic materials. Allogenic tissue from human donors is currently the preferred choice; however, there is a worldwide shortage in donated corneal tissue. In addition, tissue rejection often limits the long-term success of this approach. Alternatively, synthetic homologs to donor corneal grafts are primarily considered temporary replacements until suitable donor tissue becomes available, as they result in a high incidence of graft failure. Tissue engineered cornea analogs would provide effective cornea tissue substitutes and alternatives to address the need to reduce animal testing of commercial products. Recent progress toward these needs is reviewed here, along with future perspectives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cornea*
  • Humans
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering / trends*