Synthetic Nanofiber-Reinforced Amniotic Membrane via Interfacial Bonding

Severe damage to the ocular surface can result in limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency, which contributes to loss of corneal clarity, potential vision loss, chronic pain, photophobia, and keratoplasty failure. Human amniotic membrane (AM) is the most effective substrate for LSC transplantation to treat patients with LSC deficiency. However, the widespread use of the AM in the clinic remains a challenge because of the high cost for preserving freshly prepared AM and the weak mechanical strength of lyophilized AM. Here, we developed a novel composite membrane consisting of an electrospun bioabsorbable polymer fiber mesh bonded to a decellularized AM (dAM) sheet through interfacial conjugation. This membrane engineering approach drastically improved the tensile property and toughness of dAM, preserved similar levels of bioactivities as the dAM itself in supporting LSC attachment, growth, and maintenance, and retained significant anti-inflammatory capacity. These results demonstrate that the lyophilized nanofibe...