Limbal Stem Cells on Bacterial Nanocellulose Carriers for Ocular Surface Regeneration

Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are already used in cell-based treatments for ocular surface disorders. Clinical translation of LSCs-based therapies critically depends on the successful delivery, survival, and retention these therapeutic to desired region. Such a major bottleneck could be overcome by using an appropriate carrier provide anchoring sites structural support LSC culture transplantation. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is appealing, yet unexplored, candidate this application because its biocompatibility, animal-free origin mechanical stability. Here, BNC as vehicle human embryonic cells-derived (hESC-LSC) investigated. To enhance cell-biomaterial interactions, plasma activation followed Collagen IV Laminin coating substrates implemented. This functionalization with extracellular matrix proteins greatly improved attachment survival hESC-LSC without compromising flexible, robust semi-transparent nature BNC. The characteristics described preliminary ex vivo test simulated transplantation scenarios provided. Importantly, it shown that retain their self-renewal stemness up 21 days substrates. These results open door future research hESC-LSC/BNC constructs treat severe pathologies.