Structural Integrity Of Human Corneal Stroma Cryopreserved At −80 °C Using Dmem Or Optisol With Dmso Or Glycerol.
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCOR150 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/emfj-yq05
Authors: Prof. Dr Luis Izquierdo Jr* 1 , Nadia Canorio 2 , Jose Daniel Altamirano 3 , Rafaella Izquierdo 3 , Lizeth Torres 2 , A/Prof. Maria A. Henriquez 3
1Research department,Oftalmosalud Institute of Eyes,Lima,Peru;San Fernando School of Medicine,Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos,Lima,Peru, 2Ophthalmobiology and Cell Therapy Research Unit,Oftalmosalud Institute of Eyes,Lima,Peru, 3Research department,Oftalmosalud Institute of Eyes,Lima,Peru
Purpose
To compare the structural integrity of human corneal stroma cryopreserved at −80°C using Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) or Optisol, each supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or glycerol.
Setting
Research Department, Oftalmosalud Institute, Lima, Peru.
Methods
Prospective, comparative experimental study evaluated human cadaveric corneal stromal tissue cryopreserved at −80 °C for 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month. Stromal samples were preserved in DMEM or Optisol supplemented with 10% DMSO or glycerol and subjected to controlled-rate freezing. Following thawing, histological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Structural parameters, including stromal presence, stromal integrity, collagen fiber arrangement, and stromal changes, were assessed and scored by two independent pathologists.
Results
Across all cryopreservation time points, stromal presence and overall structural integrity were preserved in all experimental groups. Mild to moderate collagen fiber distortion and stromal edema were observed at early time points, with improvement at 1 month of cryopreservation. DMEM supplemented with 10% DMSO demonstrated stromal integrity scores comparable to, and in some parameters superior to, Optisol-based protocols. No complete loss of stromal architecture was observed in any group.
Conclusions
Human corneal stroma cryopreserved at −80 °C maintained structural integrity using both DMEM and Optisol supplemented with DMSO or glycerol. DMEM supplemented with 10% DMSO provided preservation outcomes comparable to Optisol, supporting its potential use as an accessible and cost-effective alternative for long-term stromal tissue storage in translational and eye banking applications.