From Ear to Eye: Transparent Alkali-treated Autologous Cartilage for Corneal Stromal Regeneration

Corneal blindness represents a major global health burden, with donor shortage and immune rejection remaining significant challenges in transplantation therapy. Here, we present an innovative approach using autologous auricular cartilage as a sustainable tissue source for corneal regeneration. Through optimized alkaline treatment, we successfully transformed native cartilage into a transparent, mechanically robust corneal substitute that maintains essential collagen architecture and non-immunogenic components. The resulting autologous grafts exhibited excellent optical transmittance, suitable biomechanical properties, and enhanced hydrophilicity. In a rabbit lamellar keratoplasty model, these autologous cartilage scaffolds promoted rapid epithelial regeneration, suppressed fibrotic response, and facilitated full-thickness stromal restoration with complete transparency recovery. Most importantly, the autologous nature of the grafts prevented immune rejection and supported seamless tissue integration. This work establishes autologous cartilage as a clinically viable biomaterial for corneal reconstruction, offering a practical solution to donor scarcity while eliminating the need for immunosuppression. Our findings demonstrate the great potential of autologous tissue transformation in regenerative ophthalmology.