A Novel Chitosan‐Gelatin Scaffold and Cell Spray Therapy for Treating Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

ABSTRACT

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a severe ocular condition that impairs vision and causes chronic pain. Current therapeutic approaches, such as stem cell transplantation and biomaterial scaffolds, are under continuous refinement. This study evaluated a novel treatment strategy combining a biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan‐gelatin (CS‐Gel) electrospun scaffold with a topical limbal stem cell (LSC) spray for treating alkaline‐induced LSCD in a rabbit model. The scaffold was fabricated via electrospinning, stabilized with water vapor, and characterized using SEM, ATR‐FTIR, contact angle, weight loss, and swelling analyses. Limbal stem cells were isolated from cadaveric corneas, cultured, and prepared as a spray suspension (10 ⁴ cells/mL). Nine rabbits with induced alkaline burns were divided into three groups: an untreated control, a group treated with the CS‐Gel scaffold alone, and a group receiving the CS‐Gel scaffold followed by the LSC spray one week later. Clinical and histopathological evaluations assessed epithelialization, stromal integrity, neovascularization, and inflammation. The results demonstrated that the combined CS‐Gel + cell spray treatment significantly enhanced corneal regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved healing outcomes compared to the other groups. This study confirms the potential of the CS‐Gel + cell spray as a promising platform for LSCD therapy, warranting further investigation.

Clinical Registration : This study is an animal‐based research and does not involve human clinical trials.