Work

Mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles modified PLGA electrospinning nanofibrous scaffolds for corneal and retinal repair

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Tissue self-renewing is important for ocular diseases such as corneal damage and retinal holes. In this study, a novel Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospinning nanofibrous scaffold (PLGAENS) loaded with mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) was developed to accelerate the healing process of cornea and retina. Firstly, the in-vitro experiments validated the supporting properties of PLGAENS and its facilitation capacity for cellular proliferation, migration, and extension was demonstrated. Next, in the rat corneal alkali burn model and rabbit retinal hole model, MSC-EVs modified PLGA electrospinning nanofibrous scaffold (PLGA scaffold MSC-EVs) was demonstrated to accelerate the restoration of corneal epithelium and stroma, as well as the closure of retinal hole. Further, miR-21-5p was identified enriched in MSC-EVs, which mechanically suppressed scar formation via targeting gene PDCD4 and thus downregulating fibrosis and collagen related genes expression to maintain corneal transparency and retinal integrity. Collectively, these findings underscored the potential role of PLGA scaffold MSC-EVs in promoting ocular wound healing, and may hold significant promise as a new therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment of corneal damage and retinal hole in future.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2024.113389