In vivo engraftment into the cornea endothelium using extracellular matrix shrink-wrapped cells

Abstract Cell injection is a common clinical approach for therapeutic delivery into diseased and damaged tissues in order to achieve regeneration. However, cell retention, viability, engraftment at the site have generally been poor, driving need improved approaches. Here, we developed technique shrink-wrap micropatterned islands of corneal endothelial cells basement membrane-like layer extracellular matrix that enables maintain their cell-cell junctions cytoskeletal structure while suspension. These μMonolayers exhibited ability rapidly engraft intact, high-density monolayers both vitro vivo model systems. Importantly, engrafted increased local density, something clinical-standard single suspension failed do. results show shrink-wrapping dramatically improves provides potential alternative cornea transplant when low density cause blindness.