Application of Decellularized Porcine Sclera in Repairing Corneal Perforations and Lamellar Injuries

Scleras are mainly used for the treatment of glaucoma, eyelid damage, and scleral ulcers. Given that the sclera and cornea collectively constitute the complete external structure of the eyeball and both have the same tissue and cell origin, we attempted to identify scleral materials to treat lamellar and penetrating corneal injuries. Based on research in our center, antigenic components in decellularized porcine sclera (DPS) were removed using a simplified decellularization method, leaving the collagen structure and active components undamaged. DPS preserved the mechanical properties and did not significantly inhibit the proliferation and replication of human corneal epithelial cells. In vivo, the graft epithelium healed well after lamellar and penetrating scleral grafting, and the graft thickness did not change evidently. DPS can resist suture traction during scleral transplantation and maintain anterior chamber stability until day 28 post-operatively, especially in penetrating repairs. No obvious immune rejection of lamellar or penetrating scleral grafts was found 28 days after DPS transplantation. This study shows that DPS could be used as an alternative material for the emergency repair of corneal perforations and lamellar injuries, representing another application of sclera.