Citation: Yimeng Li, Yuanyuan Yang, Zhengke Wang. Transparent and hydrophilic “phoenix garment” for corneal stromal regeneration[J]. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, ;2026, 42(10): 100265. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100265 shu

Transparent and hydrophilic “phoenix garment” for corneal stromal regeneration

1.
MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China;
2.
The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China

Corresponding author: Zhengke Wang, wangzk@zju.edu.cn
Received Date: 7 December 2025
Revised Date: 14 February 2026
Accepted Date: 25 February 2026

Globally, irreversible blindness caused by corneal scarring, stromal defects, and trauma continues to rise. Shortages of donor corneas, the high cost of amniotic membrane and collagen patches, and complex ethical oversight have made the development of an abundant, low-cost, and scalable alternative a pressing clinical need. Herein, an “alkaline-transparency” protocol was developed to render “phoenix garment” (chicken eggshell membrane, ESM), transparent, hydrophilicity, and high saturated water content, while preserving its flexibility and suture compatibility. The membrane gradually degraded in the physiological environment, adapting to the pace of tissue repair. In a rabbit anterior-lamellar defect model, the patch rapidly integrated with host stroma, achieving complete re-epithelialization within one week and restoring a smooth, transparent corneal surface within eight weeks, with neatly aligned collagen and no scar formation, indicating effective suppression of myofibroblast activation and reliable restoration of the epithelial barrier. ESM is abundantly available, easy to prepare, and storable at room temperature, offering a safe, economical, and clinically translatable strategy for corneal stromal replacement.
- Phoenix garment,
- Eggshell membrane,
- Alkaline treatment,
- Corneal regeneration,
- Biomaterials
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沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142