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571561 
Journal Article 
Recruitment of multiple cell lines by collagen-synthetic copolymer matrices in corneal regeneration 
Li, F; Griffith, M; Li, Z; Tanodekaew, S; Sheardown, H; Hakim, M; Carlsson, DJ 
2005 
Yes 
Biomaterials
ISSN: 0142-9612
EISSN: 1878-5905 
26 
16 
3093-3104 
Collagen hydrogel matrices with high optical clarity have been developed from collagen I, cross-linked with a copolymer based on N-isopropylacrylamide, acrylic acid and acryloxysuccinimide. The controlled reaction of collagen amine groups with this copolymer under neutral pH and aqueous conditions gave robust, optically clear hydrogels and prevented the excessive collagen fibrillogenesis that can lead to collagen opacity. These sterile, non-cytotoxic hydrogels allowed epithelial cell overgrowth and both stromal cell and nerve neurite ingrowth from the host tissue. This regenerative ability appeared to result from the high glucose permeability, nanoporosity and the presence of cell adhesion factors, RGD in collagen and the laminin pentapeptide, YIGSR, grafted onto the copolymer. Under physiological conditions, optical clarity superior to the human cornea and tensile performance adequate for suturing were obtained from some formulations. 
Collagen-copolymer hydrogel; Cell recruitment; Permeability; Porosity; Topography; Optical clarity