Vision impairment from damage to the cornea, retina, or optic nerve is a major global health issue. Current treatments, like corneal transplants, are limited by donor shortages and immune rejection. Regenerative medicine offers a promising alternative through the use of injectable extracellular matrix (ECM)-based microgels. These microgels aim to mimic the native ocular environment, supporting cell survival and delivering regenerative signals. Each target tissue will undergo a tailored decellularization process to remove cells while preserving essential ECM components, confirmed by histological staining (H&E, DAPI) and DNA quantification. The decellularized ECM will then be enzymatically digested and crosslinked into injectable microgels capable of gelling in situ. These will be evaluated using cell viability assays, attachment studies, and neurite outgrowth measurements to assess their ability to support neural and tissue repair. This research could provide a minimally invasive, customizable alternative to current treatments, offering a scalable solution not dependent on donor tissue. By promoting regeneration and enhancing cell survival, ECM-based microgels could become a transformative therapy for ocular diseases and injuries.
