Pathogenetic and regenerative features of corneal damage repair with biodegradable materials based on silk fibroin

Abstract

Background: Today it is well known that biodegradable materials based on silk fibroin can be used as safe carriers of biologically active substances and drugs. At the same time, recent studies have shown that glial neurotrophic factor is one of the essential growth factors involved in corneal tissue regeneration. However, the method of restoring corneal damage with biodegradable materials based on silk fibroin containing glial neurotrophic factor has not been developed.

Aim: To study pathogenetic features of corneal damage repair with biodegradable structures based on silk fibroin containing glial neurotrophic factor.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on mature male C57BL/6 mice, in which corneal damage was modeled. During the experiment, the area of the epithelial corneal defect was assessed for the intensity of the regenerative process on days 1, 3, and 5 after injury.

Results: In the groups of mice where biodegradable structures based on silk fibroin containing glial neurotrophic factor were used, the intensity of the regenerative process was higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The use of biodegradable structures based on silk fibroin containing glial neurotrophic factor stimulates the process of corneal tissue regeneration after corneal damage.