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VOLUME 53 , ISSUE 1E ( February, 2025 ) > List of Articles

Bioengineering of the Corneal Endothelium: Towards Solving the Corneal Scarcity of Donors

Judith Zavala Arcos, Carlos Alberto Rodríguez-Barrientos, Itzel Becerril Rojas, María Dolores Montalvo-Parra, Jorge Eugenio Valdez García

Keywords : Tissue engineering, construct, corneal endothelial cells, corneal endothelial, translational research, technology transfer

Citation Information : Arcos JZ, Rodríguez-Barrientos CA, Rojas IB, Montalvo-Parra MD, García JE. Bioengineering of the Corneal Endothelium: Towards Solving the Corneal Scarcity of Donors. 2025; 53 (1E):14-20.

DOI: 10.5005/hoe-10101-53103

Published Online: 13-02-2025

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.


Abstract

Corneal transplantation using cadaveric tissue is currently the primary treatment for corneal endothelial insufficiency. Despite the potential for vision restoration through corneal transplantation, there is a shortage of corneal tissue donors around the world. Tissue engineering offers a promising alternative to solve the problem of a lack of donors by allowing the development of a suitable engineered corneal endothelium by providing an adequate scaffold that supports the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells with appropriate morphology and density, while also possessing optical and mechanical properties similar to a human corneal endothelium to reproduce the standard surgical techniques for transplantation such as Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). Despite these promising developments, transitioning from research to clinical practice faces challenges, including bridging gaps between preclinical research, technology transfer, and clinical implementation. Addressing these hurdles could democratize access to corneal transplantation, reduce costs, and enhance visual health outcomes for patients worldwide.

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