Application of polycaprolactone nanofibers as patch graft in ophthalmology

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate tissue reaction to polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber patches in the cornea, conjunctiva, and anterior chamber (AC) in rabbit eyes and to assess their biocompatibility for use as patch grafts. Methods: Two 100 mu PCL patches were implanted under the conjunctiva and in the corneal stroma of one albino New Zealand rabbit, and pathologic evaluation was done after 3 weeks. In the next step, two PCL patches were implanted; one in the corneal stroma and the other in the AC of two rabbits followed by pathologic evaluation after 3 months. Results: On slit-lamp examination, there was minimum inflammation in all cases. Pathologic examination showed that the contact and probably merging between the host tissue and PCL fibers were achieved with minimal tissue reaction. Conclusion: As a biocompatible material, PCL nanofibers seem to be a promising modality for the repair of different tissue defects including melting, thinning, and perforation. They may also be a suitable material for manufacturing keratoprostheses.