Collagen-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based membranes for corneal stroma scaffolds.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using the biocompatibility of collagen-based blended biomaterials as cell-delivery systems in ocular surface reconstruction in vivo.

Methods: Collagen-based composites that were blended with synthetic acrylamide-based polymers [poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), pNIPAAm] were transplanted into corneal pockets of white rabbits, with a 3-mm epithelial window. Epithelial cells were allowed to migrate onto the polymer.