Comparison of cellular, mechanical, and optical properties of different polymers for corneal tissue engineering.

Objectives: The invention of corneal tissue engineering is essential for vision due to the lack of effective treatments and donated corneas. Finding the right polymer is crucial for reducing inflammation, ensuring biocompatibility, and mimicking natural cornea properties. Materials and Methods: In this study, solvent casting and physical crosslinking (freeze-thaw cycles) were used to fabricate polymeric scaffolds of Polyvinyl alcohol, alginate, gelatin, carboxymethyl chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and their combinations. The mechanical evaluation of scaffolds for tension and suture ability was conducted. Biodegradability, swelling, water vapor, bacterial permeability, anti-inflammatory properties, blood compatibility, Blood Clotting Index (BCI), pH alterations, and cell compatibility with human Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) were investigated with MTT. The hydrophilicity of the samples and the ability to adhere to surfaces were also compared with the contact angle and adhesive test, respectively. Finally, quantitative and qualitative analysis was used to check the transparency of the samples. Results: The mechanical strength of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone samples was highest, showing good suture ability. All samples had blood compatibility below 5% and cell compatibility above 75%. Polyvinyl alcohol was the most transparent at around 93%. Carboxymethyl chitosan effectively inhibited bacterial permeability, while its anti-inflammatory potential showed no significant difference. Conclusion: This study aims to choose the best polymer composition for corneal tissue engineering. The selection depends on the study's goals, like mechanical strength or transparency. Comparing polymers across different dimensions provides better insight for polymer selection.