Mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles modified PLGA electrospinning nanofibrous scaffolds for corneal and retinal repair

Tissue self-renewal is crucial for ocular diseases such as corneal damage and retinal holes. In this study, a novel Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospinning nanofibrous scaffold (PLGAENS), loaded with mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs), was developed to accelerate the healing of the cornea and retina. In-vitro experiments confirmed the supportive properties of PLGAENS, demonstrating its ability to promote cellular proliferation, migration, and extension. In the rat corneal alkali burn model and rabbit retinal hole model, MSC-EVs modified PLGAENS (PLGAMSC-EVs) accelerated the restoration of the corneal epithelium and stroma, as well as the closure of retinal holes. Additionally, miR-21-5p was identified as being enriched in MSC-EVs. Mechanistically, miR-21-5p suppressed scar formation by targeting the programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) gene, reducing fibrosis and the expression of collagen-related genes, which helped maintain corneal transparency and retinal integrity. Overall, these findings underscored the potential of PLGAMSC-EVs in promoting ocular wound healing and suggested a promising new therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of corneal damage and retinal holes.