Abstract:

Chitosan/chondroitin sulfate blend film was prepared by solution casting/ particulate leaching technique and characterized by transparence, SEM, FTIR and X-ray diffraction. Its biocompatibilities and biodegradability in vitro and in vivo were also evaluated. The results indicate that the blend film had an excellent transparence, uniform structure and appropriate pore size. Chitosan and chondroitin sulfate can disperse to molecules level and strong interaction existed between molecules. The blend film had favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability. The attachment and growth of rabbit corneal endothelial cells on the blend film was studied by cell culture. The attached cells were able to proliferate and grow near confluent. The blend film showed to be a good carrier for attachment and growth of corneal endothelial cell. Corneal endothelial cellloaded blend film was transplanted into rabbit eyes with endothelium scraped. The eyes remained transparent after surgery for 56 d, then the cornea became edema and many new blood vessels appeared. But the cornea regains transparence and new vascular disappear after surgery for 230 d.

Key words: Chitosan; Chondroitin sulfate; Blend film; Corneal endothelial cell carrier; Transplantation