Implantable stromal devices, or stromal equivalents for tissue regeneration, necessitate specific requirements in order to maintain the native tissue of the cornea especially in terms of biocompatibility. Normally quiescent, corneal keratocytes can differentiate into fibroblasts and ultimately myofibroblasts as a response to changes in ECM matrix components, chemokines, stress, or stiffness. So, whether as a result of a wound healing or foreign body response, these activated cells will no longer secrete collagen in the lamellar and orthogonal structure that the cornea relies on for optical transparency. We are interested in designing implants that are rendered invisible to the body by utilizing combinatorial zwitterionic and supramolecular monomers. We propose a poly(zwitterionic-co-UPy) polymer for use in corneal tissue products such as presbyopic inlays and stromal constructs in order to achieve an optimal quiescent state for healthy corneal ECM production.<br/> <br/>

Designing corneal implants with supramolecular materials

2019 Fall National Meeting

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