Three-dimensional-printed bilayered scleral patches with mechano-biological synergistic activity for posterior scleral reinforcement in pathological myopia
Pathological myopia (PM) is a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment, characterized by progressive axial elongation and posterior staphyloma. Posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery is a key intervention to halt disease progression. In this procedure, PSR materials are fixed to the posterior pole of the eye to enhance the original scleral biomechanical properties and promote collagen deposition. However, the materials used for PSR are difficult to obtain and fail to fully achieve all required biomechanical functions. In this study, a novel bilayered biomaterial combining mechanical support with bio-regenerative capacity was developed. The outer reinforcement layer was a decellularized porcine sclera (dPS), while the inner functional layer was a gelatin methacryloyl/ scleral extracellular matrix (GelMA/dSECM) hydrogel. They were developed via low-temperature extrusion-based 3D printing. The dPS layer provided stable mechanical support with high tensile strength, while the GelMA/dSECM hydrogel exhibited a porous microstructure. Bioactive components released from the bilayered material enhanced human scleral fibroblast (HSF) proliferation, migration, and collagen I expression. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that dSECM core proteins were enriched in extracellular matrix organization and angiogenesis-related pathways. In a form-deprived myopia (FDM) guinea pig model, the bilayered material controlled axial elongation and vitreous chamber depth increase. It promoted scleral thickening and achieved close apposition with host tissue in 4 weeks. This work presents a “mechanical support + regenerative” synergistic system, offering a potential strategy for effective PM management.
- Chen H, Liu X, Zhou X, Fu J, Wang L. Advancements in Myopic Macular Foveoschisis Research. Ophthalmic Res. 2024;67(1):424-434. doi: 10.1159/000540238
- Németh J, Tapasztó B, Aclimandos WA, et al. Update and guidance on management of myopia. European Society of Ophthalmology in cooperation with International Myopia Institute. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021;31(3):853-883. doi: 10.1177/1120672121998960
- Modjtahedi BS, Abbott RL, Fong DS, Lum F, Tan D. Reducing the Global Burden of Myopia by Delaying the Onset of Myopia and Reducing Myopic Progression in Children: The Academy's Task Force on Myopia. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(6):816-826. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.10.040
- Bourke CM, Loughman J, Flitcroft DI, Loskutova E, O'Brien C. We can't afford to turn a blind eye to myopia. Qjm. 2023;116(8):635-639. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz076
- Zhang X, El Hamdaoui M, Lim S, Grytz R, Weickenmeier J. Microindentation reveals softening of the equatorial and anterior sclera during early myopia development in tree shrew eyes. Acta Biomater. 2025;201:446-456. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2025.05.064
- Zhang S, Chen Y, Li Z, et al. Axial Elongation Trajectories in Chinese Children and Adults With High Myopia. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(2):87-94. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.5835
- Ohno-Matsui K, Wu PC, Yamashiro K, et al. IMI Pathologic Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021;62(5):5. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.5.5
- Xue A, Bao F, Zheng L, Wang Q, Cheng L, Qu J. Posterior scleral reinforcement on progressive high myopic young patients. Optom Vis Sci. 2014;91(4):412-418. doi: 10.1097/opx.0000000000000201
- Zhao J, Zhao X, Jiang Y, et al. Incidence and Associated Factors of Myopic Maculopathy Progression after Posterior Scleral Contraction in High Myopia. Ophthalmology. 2026;133(4):506-514. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.11.002
- Ye J, Pan AP, Zhu S, Zheng L, Lu F, Xue AQ. Posterior Scleral Contraction to Treat Myopic Foveoschisis In Highly Myopic Eyes. Retina. 2021;41(5):1047-1056. doi: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002997
- Wang P, Chen S, Liu Y, et al. Lowering Intraocular Pressure: A Potential Approach for Controlling High Myopia Progression. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021;62(14):17. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.14.17
- Yasir ZH, Sharma R, Zakir SM. Scleral collagen cross linkage in progressive myopia. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024;72(2):174-180. doi: 10.4103/ijo.Ijo_1392_23
- Xu Y, Chen Q, Shao Z, et al. Evaluation of new robust silk fibroin hydrogels for posterior scleral reinforcement in rabbits. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023;11:1211688. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1211688
- Jobling AI, Gentle A, Metlapally R, McGowan BJ, McBrien NA. Regulation of scleral cell contraction by transforming growth factor-beta and stress: competing roles in myopic eye growth. J Biol Chem. 2009;284(4):2072-2079. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M807521200
- Zhou XB, Huang YF, Wu ZH, Jiao XJ. Niu xin bao sheng wu bu pian dui hou gong mo jia gu qu de sheng wu li xue te xing ji qi zuo yong ji zhi [Biomechanical properties and mechanism of bovine pericardium biological patch on the posterior scleral reinforcement area]. Med J Chin People Armed Police Forces. 2015;(6):609-612. [In Chinese] doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-3594.2015.06.023
- Wang T, Zhang JS. Yi ti tuo xi bao zhen pi wang mo hou gong mo jia gu shu hou zu zhi rong he xing ji bFGF biao da de bian hua [Changes in histocompatibility and bFGF expression after posterior scleral reinforcement using allogeneic acellular dermal matrix]. Recent Adv Ophthalmol. 2015;35(10):921-923. [In Chinese] doi: 10.13389/j.cnki.rao.2015.0251
- Ma J, Wu F, Liu Z, et al. Biomechanical Considerations of Patching Material for Posterior Scleral Reinforcement Surgery. Front Med. 2022;9:888542. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.888542
- Zwirner J, Ondruschka B, Scholze M, Schulze-Tanzil G, Hammer N . Mechanical and morphological description of human acellular dura mater as a scaffold for surgical reconstruction. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2019;96:38-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.04.035
- Khurana D, Suresh A, Nayak R, et al. Biosubstitutes for dural closure: Unveiling research, application, and future prospects of dura mater alternatives. J Tissue Eng. 2024;15:20417314241228118. doi: 10.1177/20417314241228118
- Muniz NO, Baudequin T. Biomimetic and Nonbiomimetic Approaches in Dura Substitutes: The Influence of Mechanical Properties. Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2025;31(2):174-189. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2024.0079
- Hui J, Nie X, Wei P, et al. 3D printed fibroblast-loaded hydrogel for scleral remodeling to prevent the progression of myopia. J Mater Chem B. 2024;12(10):2559-2570. doi: 10.1039/d3tb02548a
- Zhong T, Yi H, Gou J, et al. A wireless battery-free eye modulation patch for high myopia therapy. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):1766. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46049-6
- Sun Y, Yu K, Nie J, et al. Modeling the printability of photocuring and strength adjustable hydrogel bioink during projection-based 3D bioprinting. Biofabrication. 2021;13(3):035032. doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/aba413
- Gaglio CG, Baruffaldi D, Pirri CF, Napione L, Frascella F. GelMA synthesis and sources comparison for 3D multimaterial bioprinting. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2024;12:1383010. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1383010
- Im GB, Lin RZ. Bioengineering for vascularization: Trends and directions of photocrosslinkable gelatin methacrylate hydrogels. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022;10:1053491. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1053491
- Madl CM, Heilshorn SC. Bioorthogonal Strategies for Engineering Extracellular Matrices. Adv Funct Mater. 2018;28(11):1706046. doi: 10.1002/adfm.201706046
- Lian L, Xie M, Luo Z, et al. Rapid Volumetric Bioprinting of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Bioinks. Adv Mater. 2024;36(34):e2304846. doi: 10.1002/adma.202304846
- Cai D, Weng W. Development potential of extracellular matrix hydrogels as hemostatic materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023;11:1187474. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1187474
- Wang F, Zhao L, Li H, et al. Scleral defect repair using decellularized porcine sclera in a rabbit model. Xenotransplantation. 2020;27(6):e12633. doi: 10.1111/xen.12633
- Pei ZW, Wang JZ. Yuan wei 3D sheng wu da yin ji shu zai gu he ruan gu sun shang xiu fu zhong de yan jiu jin zhan [Research progress of in-situ 3D bioprinting technology for repairing bone and cartilage injuries]. Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2022;36(4):487-494. [In Chinese] doi: 10.7507/1002-1892.202111043
- Cheng W, Huang Y, Dai J, et al. Endotoxin, not DNA, determines the host response and tissue regeneration behavior of acellular biologic scaffolds. Acta Biomater. 2025;195:157-168. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2025.02.010
- Jiang L, Zhao B, Li Q, et al. A Self-Generated Electricity-Driven Sclera reinforcement bionic piezoelectric patch for Management of High Myopia. J Nanobiotechnology. 2025;23(1):470. doi: 10.1186/s12951-025-03493-w
- Shirzadi H, Zohoor H, Naserkhaki S. Biomechanical simulation of eye-airbag impacts during vehicle accidents. Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2018;232(7):699-707. doi: 10.1177/0954411918778063
- Wang C, Xie Y, Wang G. The elastic modulus and collagen of sclera increase during the early growth process. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2018;77:566-571. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.10.024
- Zhang M, Yang F, Han D, et al. 3D bioprinting of corneal decellularized extracellular matrix: GelMA composite hydrogel for corneal stroma engineering. Int J Bioprint. 2023;9(5):774. doi: 10.18063/ijb.774
- Ward NA, Hanley S, Tarpey R, et al. Intermittent actuation attenuates fibrotic behaviour of myofibroblasts. Acta Biomater. 2024;173:80-92. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.017
- Boere KW, Visser J, Seyednejad H, et al. Covalent attachment of a three-dimensionally printed thermoplast to a gelatin hydrogel for mechanically enhanced cartilage constructs. Acta Biomater. 2014;10(6):2602-2611. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.02.041
- Benton JA, DeForest CA, Vivekanandan V, Anseth KS. Photocrosslinking of gelatin macromers to synthesize porous hydrogels that promote valvular interstitial cell function. Tissue Eng Part A. 2009;15(11):3221-3230. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2008.0545
- Bilici C, Altunbek M, Afghah F, Tatar AG, Koc B. Embedded 3D Printing of Cryogel-Based Scaffolds. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 2023;9(8):5028-5038. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00751
- Shi M, Xu Q, Ding L, et al. Cell Infiltrative Inner Connected Porous Hydrogel Improves Neural Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation for Functional Repair of Spinal Cord Injury. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 2022;8(12):5307-5318. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01127
- Shamloo A, Sarmadi M, Aghababaie Z, Vossoughi M. Accelerated full-thickness wound healing via sustained bFGF delivery based on a PVA/chitosan/gelatin hydrogel incorporating PCL microspheres. Int J Pharm. 2018;537(1-2):278-289. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.12.045
- Fu J, Wiraja C, Muhammad HB, Xu C, Wang DA. Improvement of endothelial progenitor outgrowth cell (EPOC)-mediated vascularization in gelatin-based hydrogels through pore size manipulation. Acta Biomater. 2017;58:225-237. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.06.012
- Snow F, O'Connell C, Elbourne A, et al. High resolution melt electro-written scaffolds promote alignment of human skeletal muscle cells. Biofabrication. 2025;17(3):035013. doi: 10.1088/1758-5090/add960
- Saporito S, Panzetta V, Netti PA. Time and space modulation of substrate curvature to regulate cell mechanical identity. Acta Biomater. 2024;186:300-315. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.006
- Lu H, Wu Y, Xiong J, et al. Whorl-Like Collagen Fiber Arrangement Around Emissary Canals in the Posterior Sclera. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025;66(3):35. doi: 10.1167/iovs.66.3.35
- Hoerig C, McFadden S, Hoang QV, Mamou J. Biomechanical changes in myopic sclera correlate with underlying changes in microstructure. Exp Eye Res. 2022;224:109165. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109165
- Markov PP, Eliasy A, Pijanka JK, et al. Bulk changes in posterior scleral collagen microstructure in human high myopia. Mol Vis. 2018;24:818-833.
- Crapo PM, Gilbert TW, Badylak SF. An overview of tissue and whole organ decellularization processes. Biomaterials. 2011;32(12):3233-3243. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.01.057
- Saraswathibhatla A, Indana D, Chaudhuri O. Cell-extracellular matrix mechanotransduction in 3D. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2023;24(7):495–516. doi: 10.1038/s41580-023-00583-1
- Chastney MR, Kaivola J, Leppanen VM, Ivaska J. The role and regulation of integrins in cell migration and invasion. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2025;26(2):147-167. doi: 10.1038/s41580-024-00777-1
- Kirtonia A, Pandey AK, Ramachandran B, et al. Overexpression of laminin-5 gamma-2 promotes tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT/mTOR cascade. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022;79(7):362. doi: 10.1007/s00018-022-04392-1
- Chen XY, Wang MY, Shu X, Li J, Tang R, Liu XQ. Matrix-bound EGF promotes malignant phenotypes of breast cancer organoids in the biomimetic ECM of alginate. Mater Today Bio. 2025;32:101818. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101818
- Wang D, Keyoumu K, Yu R, et al. Extracellular matrix marker LAMC2 targets ZEB1 to promote TNBC malignancy via up-regulating CD44/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Med. 2024;30(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s10020-024-00827-6
- Han C, Barakat M, DiPietro LA. Angiogenesis in Wound Repair: Too Much of a Good Thing? Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2022;14(10):a041225. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041225
- Shokrani H, Shokrani A, Sajadi SM, et al. Cell-Seeded Biomaterial Scaffolds: The Urgent Need for Unanswered Accelerated Angiogenesis. Int J Nanomedicine. 2022;17:1035-1068. doi: 10.2147/ijn.S353062
