Modification of Collagen Film via Surface Grafting of Taurine Molecular to Promote Corneal Nerve Repair and Epithelization Process

Abstract

Corneal defects can seriously affect human vision, and keratoplasty is the most widely accepted therapy method for visual rehabilitation. Currently, effective treatment for clinical patients has been restricted due to a serious shortage of donated cornea tissue and high-quality artificial repair materials. As the predominant component of cornea tissue, collagen-based materials have promising applications for corneal repair. However, the corneal nerve repair and epithelization process after corneal transplantation must be improved. This research proposes a new collagen-based scaffold with good biocompatibility and biological functionality enhanced by surface chemical grafting of natural taurine molecular. The chemical composition of collagen-taurine (Col-Tau) material is evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and its hydrophilic properties, light transmittance, swelling performance and mechanical tensile properties have been measured. The research results indicate that the Col-Tau sample has high transmittance and good mechanical properties, and exhibits excellent capacity to promote corneal nerve cell growth and the epithelization process of corneal epithelial cells. This novel Col-Tau material, which can be easily prepared at a low cost, should have significant application potential for the treating corneal disease in the future.