Collagen films with suitable physical properties and biocompatibility for corneal tissue engineering prepared by ion leaching technique

Porous collagen films were fabricated by ion leaching technique using NaCl as a porogen. In proper preparing condition (the mass ratio of Collagen:NaCl was 100:2.5(CNa2.5)/100:5.0(CNa5.0)), the films show appropriate optical performance and mechanical properties. Besides, CNa2.5 and CNa5.0 have similar diffusivity as the human cornea. In addition, human corneal epithelial cells were cultured on the collagen films. CNa2.5 and CNa5.0 show high biocompatibility in vitro, which could be covered by 2–3 layers of corneal epithelial cells within a week. Our results indicate that these films have potential use to address the current problems of collagen materials that used for corneal repair.

► Porous collagen films were fabricated by ion leaching technique.
► The films have suitable mechanical properties and optical performance.
► Human corneal epithelial cells studies confirmed the biocompatibility of the films.
► The films are permeable to both sodium chloride and tryptophan solution.