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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D bioprinting for corneal regeneration

Table 1. Proteins in the extracellular matrix of the cornea
Cornea layers Extracellular matrix component References
Epithelium Very scanty or relatively no extracellular matrix 96-103
Epitope base membrane Type I collagen
Type IV collagen
Laminin
Fibronectin
Fibrin
Proteoglycans
Bowman’s membrane Type I collagen
Type III collagen
Type IV collagen
Fibronectin
Stroma Type I collagen
Type III collagen
Type V collagen
Fibronectin
Proteoglycans
Elastin
Dua’s layer Type I collagen
Type IV collagen
Type V collagen
Type VI collagen
Fibronectin
Proteoglycans
Descemet’s membrane Type I collagen
Type IV collagen
Type VIII collagen
Endothelium Very scanty or relatively no extracellular matrix

In the fibrillogenesis process of the cornea, the collagen fibers within the stroma. Beyond their structural
longitudinal and linear growth of collagen fibers plays role, these proteoglycans play a significant regulatory role
an important role in ensuring the formation of the eye’s in cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration within the
structural integrity. Significantly, inhibiting the lateral cornea. Consequently, they exert influence over cellular
growth of fibers, which prevents the formation of thick responses during the wound-healing process. 27
fibers, is crucial for maintaining corneal transparency.
25
Proteoglycans contribute to this process during 5. Artificial corneas and
fibrillogenesis and matrix formation. Notably, research has corneal regeneration
underscored the substantial role played by proteoglycans
containing keratan sulfate and dermatan sulfate in shaping Artificial cornea replacement products must adhere to a
the cornea’s collagen structure and organizing the matrix, myriad of specifications to closely emulate the native cornea.
From a manufacturing standpoint, these artificial corneas
thereby contributing to corneal transparency. 16,26
should be cost-effective, ensuring high-quality production,
The predominant portion of proteoglycans present in and designed for ease of mass production. On the medical
the corneal stroma belongs to a small family of leucine-rich front, crucial prerequisites include transparency and a
proteoglycans. These proteoglycans engage in binding with sufficiently porous structure that facilitates the supply
collagen fibrils, profoundly influencing the arrangement of of nutrients and oxygen to the surrounding tissues. In

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 111 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1669