Effect of genipin collagen crosslinking on porcine corneas.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of genipin, a natural crosslinker, on porcine corneas.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia.


METHODS
Corneal strips (12.0 mm x 2.3 mm) were harvested from porcine eyes and treated by incubation with genipin at concentrations of 1.00%, 0.25%, and 0.10%. Parallel corneal strips from the same eye were used as untreated controls. After treatment at 20 degrees C for 40 minutes, tensile strain measurements were performed in a biomaterial tester. Porcine button corneas were treated with genipin 0.25% for 15 minutes and then digested by bacterial collagenase. Treated and untreated corneas were evaluated by light microscopy.


RESULTS
Young modulus and stiffness in treated corneas increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Genipin increased resistance to corneal collagenase 5-fold in comparison with the controls. A decrease in the interlamellar space in treated corneas was also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal collagen crosslinking induced with genipin produced a significant increase in biomechanical strength and resistance to bacterial collagenase. This crosslinker could be useful in treating corneal ectasia and corneal infectious and noninfectious diseases involving corneal melting.
Avila
Marcel Y
MY
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia. myavilac@unal.edu.co
Navia
José L
JL
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D017364:Collagenases / Q000494:pharmacology; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004548:Elasticity; D057889:Iridoid Glycosides; D039823:Iridoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013552:Swine; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D057889:Iridoid Glycosides; D039823:Iridoids; D003094:Collagen; C007834:genipin; D017364:Collagenases