Abstract: A composite collagen hydrogel material for use in tissue engineering, and an implantable ophthalmic device comprising such composite material. The composite material comprises: a first collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a first crosslinking agent, and/or a second collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a second crosslinking agent, and a three dimensional collagen mesh comprising partially and plastically compressed collagen hydrogel with a compression degree of 50-95%, wherein the three dimensional collagen mesh is embedded in the first collagen network and/or second collagen network, and the first collagen network and/or the second collagen network and the three dimensional collagen mesh are physically and chemically interconnected in the composite collagen hydrogel material.

Abstract: A composite collagen hydrogel material for use in tissue engineering, and an implantable ophthalmic device comprising such composite material. The composite material comprises: a first collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a first crosslinking agent, and/or a second collagen network comprising collagen crosslinked with a second crosslinking agent, and a three dimensional collagen mesh comprising partially and plastically compressed collagen hydrogel with a compression degree of 50-95%, wherein the three dimensional collagen mesh is embedded in the first collagen network and/or second collagen network, and the first collagen network and/or the second collagen network and the three dimensional collagen mesh are physically and chemically interconnected in the composite collagen hydrogel material.

Abstract: The present invention provides interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), and related methods and compositions. The hydrogel material of this invention comprises an interpenetrating network of two or more polymer networks, wherein at least one of the polymer networks is based on a biopolymer. Also provided is a method of producing the hydrogel material comprising, combining a first polymeric network with a second polymeric network, wherein the first polymeric network or the second polymeric network is based on a biopolymer. The present application also discloses devices manufactured from the IPN hydrogel material and uses thereof.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and compositions for improving vision or treating diseases, disorders or injury of the eye are described. Ophthalmic devices, such as corneal onlays, corneal inlays, and full-thickness corneal implants, are made of a material that is effective in facilitating nerve growth through or over the device. The material may include an amount of collagen greater than 1% (w/w), such as between about 10% (w/w) and about 30% (w/w). The material may include collagen polymers and/or a second biopolymer or water-soluble synthetic polymer cross-linked using EDC/NHS chemistry. The material may additionally comprise a synthetic polymer. The devices are placed into an eye to correct or improve the vision of an individual or to treat a disease, disorder or injury of an eye of an individual.