Fig. 3: CLP-PEG-MPC implants in alkali burned mini-pig corneas compared to CLP-PEG only implants.

a–l Surgical progression of CLP-PEG-MPC hydrogels compared to CLP-PEG hydrogels implanted in mini-pig corneas following alkali burns. Corneal haze was seen immediately after the alkali burn to the central cornea (a, b) and is still present just before surgery (c, d). After surgery, haze is present up to 6 months (e–j) and is decreased by 12 months post-operation (k–l). m–u In vivo confocal microscopy of the regenerated CLP-PEG-MPC and CLP-PEG neo-corneas at 12 months post-operation in comparison to unoperated corneas, showing regeneration of corneal epithelium, subepithelial nerves (arrowheads) and stroma. The unoperated endothelium (v–x) remains intact. White scale bars, 100 µm.