title: Collagen cross-linking treatment increases adhesion in mock corneal grafts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We tested the hypothesis that collagen cross-linking (CXL) could be used to promote adhesion in mock corneal grafts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Donated human corneal tissue underwent epithelial debridement and was cut into sections measuring 4mm×3mm. Paired sections were sutured together with 10-0 vicryl, forming mock corneal grafts. Looped 6-0 sutures were placed at each end to facilitate tension measurement. Mock grafts underwent CXL before being cultured for 2days in Eagle's MEM culture medium. Control mock grafts did not undergo CXL treatment before culture. Tissue was obtained from 4 donors and a maximum of 2 controls and 2 treated grafts was obtained from each donor. Following the culture period, the 10-0 sutures were cut. The mock grafts were mounted on force transducers and were put under increasing tension until eventually the sections were pulled apart.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean applied stress required to generate graft failure was calculated for all mock grafts±standard error of the mean. In the control group 0.236±0.09mPa of applied stress was required to cause graft failure, in comparison to 0.691±0.12mPa in the treated group. A paired t-test showed this result to be significant, (p=0.0087).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study are consistent with our hypothesis that CXL treatment could be used to promote early adhesion between separate sections of corneal tissue.
authors: Ophthalmology Department, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK. Electronic address: paulflavahan@doctors.net.uk.
authors: Paul W
authors: PW
authors: Flavahan
authors: Research and Development, Biopta Ltd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: McDaid
authors: Research and Development, Biopta Ltd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
authors: Taylor
authors: T
authors: Watters
authors: Research and Development, Biopta Ltd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Finch
authors: Ophthalmology Department, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK.
authors: Sanjay
authors: S
authors: Mantry
mesh_terms: D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000528:radiation effects; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D003094:Collagen; D012256:Riboflavin
keywords: Collagen; Cornea; Cross-linking; Grafts