The aim of this study was to test the surgical handling and clinical applicability of nano-composites of chitosan/ polyethylene oxide and nano-cellulose crystal for conjunctival reconstruction.

Porous nano-composites of chitosan/ polyethylene oxide ( blended with 95/5, 90/10, 85/15 and 80/20 ratio respectively) and nano-cellulose crystal were prepared by electrospinning method. Surgical handlingwas tested by two surgeons (not informed about the composition) and sutured 3 times per surgeon. Suture time and the number of tearings were measured and compared with amniotic membrane (AM). To determine the in vitro behavior (viability and proliferation rate) of human adipose derived stem cells cultivated on the scaffolds, MTT assay, direct microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. Each procedure was repeated 3 times.

All scaffolds had satisfactory tensile strength and were better in terms of handling and suturing compared to AM. MTT assay showed acceptable cell proliferation and viability and a random distribution of cells was seen on the surface of the scaffolds in direct microscopy. However cultivated cells had proliferated better on the 90/10 ratio compared to the95/5, 85/15 and 80/20 ratio. SEM images confirmed the findings above, and showed scattered cell masses on the superior surface however no cells were seen on the interior of the scaffolds.

Electrospun nano-composites of chitosan/ polyethylene oxide and nano-cellulose crystal were shown to be biocompatible and mechanically better for surgical handling compared to AM. This scaffold may be looked as a promising candidate for tissue engineered conjunctival equivalents.