ABSTRACT
To study the possibility of using hydroxypropyl chitosan-based blend membranes as carriers of corneal cells in tissue engineering, we prepared three kinds of blend membranes labeled hydroxypropyl chitosan/chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl chitosan/oxidized hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate. The transparency, water content and ability of protein adsorption of the blend membranes were measured. To evaluate the cytocompatibility of the blend membranes with corneal epithelial cells, rabbit corneal epithelial cells were cultured on the surface of the carrier membranes. The morphological characteristics, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the media were investigated. Three kinds of blend membranes had good optical transmittance, suitable water content and ability of protein adsorption. The results showed that the less injury was made to corneal epithelial cells by the hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate blend membrane than the others. This kind of membrane was favor of the growth and adhesion of corneal epithelial cells. The hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate blend membrane is a promising carrier of corneal cells and can be used in reconstruction of tissue engineered cornea.