The conjunctival extracellular matrix, related disorders and development of substrates for conjunctival restoration

The conjunctiva can be damaged by numerous diseases with scarring, loss of tissue and dysfunction. Depending on extent damage, restoration function may require a conjunctival graft. A wide variety biological synthetic substrates have been tested in the search for optimal conditions ex vivo culture epithelial cells as route toward grafts. Each substrate has specific advantages but also disadvantages related to their unique physical characteristics, identification development an improved remains priority. To achieve goal mimicking restoring material, requires information from material. Specifically, extracellular matrix (ECM) derived tissue. Knowledge composition structure native ECM identifying contributions individual components its would enable using or those develop substrates. is comprised two components: basement membrane secreted predominantly containing laminins type IV collagens, which directly support goblet cell adhesion differentiation growth and, interstitial fibroblasts lamina propria, provides mechanical structural support. This review presents current knowledge anatomy, disorders. Requirements potential engineering transplantation are discussed. Biological described accompanying review.