A novel cross-linked human amniotic membrane for corneal implantations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Al2(SO4)3 cross-linked human amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction using tissue culture techniques. The human amniotic membrane was cross-linked with Al2(SO4)3, and the cross-linked human amniotic membrane was characterized for its mechanical properties, percentage of swelling in water, sterility, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The potential of cross-linked human amniotic membrane to support the attachment and proliferation of corneal limbal epithelial cells was assessed in vitro, using static culture system. About 125% increase in the tensile strength was observed in the cross-linked human amniotic membrane compared to human amniotic membrane. Infrared spectroscopy studies have confirmed the cross-linking of human amniotic membrane with Al2(SO4)3. The cross-linked human amniotic membrane was found to be sterile up to 1 year. In culture studies, confluent sheets of epithelial cells were seen at the end of 14th day resembling the morphological features of limbal epithelia. The cross-linked human amniotic membrane has exhibited improved mechanical properties, and the tissue culture studies have shown its feasibility to be used as a limbal transplant. It was concluded that the crosslinked human amniotic membrane with its improved mechanical properties could be used on par with human amniotic membrane.