Artificial Cornea Substitute Based on Hydrogel Skeletons with Natural Stromal Hierarchical Structure and Extracellular Matrix for Sutureless Transplantation

This study presents the design of a humanized corneal stroma-like adhesive patch (HCSP) composed of a hydrogel skeleton reinforced with natural extracellular matrix to mimic native corneal hierarchy. The HCSP integrates decellularized porcine cornea templates, human corneal extracellular matrix, and methacrylated gelatin to form a transparent, mechanically resilient, and adhesive corneal substitute. The hybrid structure replicated the lamellar alignment, protein composition, and optical clarity of natural stroma while exhibiting superior anti-swelling and enzymatic degradation resistance. In vivo experiments in rabbit models demonstrated rapid epithelial healing, minimal inflammation, and seamless integration during sutureless lamellar keratoplasty and microperforation repair.