Methods being developed for preparation, delivery and transplantation of a tissue-engineered corneal endothelium

Corneal transplantation is the only available treatment to restore vision in patients suffering from endotheliopathies. Tissue engineering offers new alternatives for the replacement of dysfunctional corneal endothelial cells. This review reports the current knowledge on the reconstruction and transplantation of a tissue-engineered corneal endothelium. It describes the cell source, cell isolation, culture, carriers used for reconstruction, as well as alternatives to using carriers. It also reviews the different in vitro and in vivo assessments used to characterize the tissue-engineered endothelium and the different animal models used to test its functionality. Finally, a brief discussion describes the steps and requirements for the technological transfer from bench to bedside.

► Methods for preparation of a tissue-engineered corneal endothelium are reviewed.
► Techniques for cell isolation, cell culture, carriers and alternatives are discussed.
► In vitro and in vivo characterization of the reconstructed endothelium is described.
► Animal models to test functionality are compared.
► Technological transfer issues are addressed.