Abstract：
By overcoming interspecies differences and mimicking the in vivo microenvironment, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro corneal models have become a significant novel tool in contemporary ophthalmic disease research. However, existing 3D corneal models struggle to replicate the actual human corneal environment, especially the dome-shaped physiological structure with adjustable curvature. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces a straightforward method for fabricating collagen/chitosan-alginate eyeball-shaped gel microspheres with a Janus structure via a two-phase aqueous system, used subsequently to construct in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissue models. By adjusting the diameter ratio of collagen/chitosan to alginate droplets, we can create eyeball-shaped gel microspheres with varying curvatures. Human corneal epithelial cells were seeded on the surfaces of these microspheres, leading to the formation of in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissues characterized by dome-like multilayers and tight junctions. Additionally, the model demonstrated responsiveness to UVB exposure through the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory factors. Therefore, we believe that in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissue models with dome-shaped structures hold significant potential for advancing ophthalmic research.
摘要：
通过克服种间差异和模拟体内微环境，三维（3D）体外角膜模型已成为当代眼科疾病研究中的重要新工具。然而,现有的3D角膜模型难以复制实际的人类角膜环境，特别是曲率可调的圆顶形生理结构。应对这些挑战，这项研究介绍了一种直接的方法，用于制造胶原蛋白/壳聚糖-海藻酸盐眼球状凝胶微球与Janus结构通过两相水体系，随后用于构建体外3D角膜上皮组织模型。通过调节胶原/壳聚糖与海藻酸盐液滴的直径比，我们可以制造不同曲率的眼球状凝胶微球。将人角膜上皮细胞接种在这些微球的表面，导致形成以圆顶状多层和紧密连接为特征的体外3D角膜上皮组织。此外,该模型通过分泌活性氧（ROS）和促炎因子证明了对UVB暴露的反应。因此,我们认为,具有圆顶形结构的体外3D角膜上皮组织模型在推进眼科研究方面具有巨大潜力.
