Karina A. George

Silk fibroin in ocular tissue reconstruction

The silk structural protein fibroin displays potential for use in tissue engineering. We present here our opinion of its value as a biomaterial for reconstructing tissues of clinical significance within the human eye. We review the strengths and weaknesses of using fibroin in those parts of the eye that we believe are most amenable to cellular reconstruction, namely the corneoscleral limbus, corneal stroma, corneal endothelium and outer blood-retinal barrier (Ruyschs complex). In these areas we find that by employing the range of manufacturing products afforded by fibroin, relevant structural assemblies can be made for cells expanded ex vivo. Significant questions now need to be answered concerning the effect of this biomaterial on the phenotype of key cell types and the biocompatibility of fibroin within the eye. We conclude that fibroins strength, structural versatility and potential for modification, combined with the relative simplicity of associated manufacturing processes, make fibroin a worthy candidate for further exploration.

Selected polymeric materials for orbital reconstruction

Despite major advances in orbital reconstruction, the orbit is still considered one of the most difficult craniofacial regions to repair. This chapter gives an historical perspective of some of the most commonly used materials including both non-biodegradable and biodegradable materials. The importance and nature of the material implant–tissue interface as well as the implant surface are discussed. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is the example used to illustrate the role of surface modification to improve currently used materials. Finally, a short overview of current and possible future directions in bone regeneration and tissue engineering is included.