Preliminary evaluation of the biocompatibility of the small intestinal submucosa (SIS) biomaterial with the rabbit cornea

Abstract

SUMMARY The early stages of the ocular response to porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) transplantation were assessed in a model of anterior keratectomy in the rabbit. After surgery, the operated eyes (n = 17) were examined on a regular basis over a 15-day period and animals were sacrified at predetermined times for histopathologic evaluation. In all but one animal, the biomaterial was well tolerated, and the corneal response was restricted to a localized neovascularization. The grafted material was epithelialised within 7 days and incorporated into the corneal tissue without inducing granuloma formation. In one rabbit, the corneal inflammation was severe but the biomaterial was maintained in place. Although further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed, these preliminary observations suggest that porcine SIS can be incorporated into the corneal tissue during healing process and may represent a promising graft material for lamellar keratoplasty.