Biocompatibility of the Polymer Poly(Butylene Adipate‐ <scp> <i>Co</i> </scp> ‐Terephthalate) in the Cornea of Rabbits

ABSTRACT In a novel approach to corneal biomaterials, this study evaluated the biocompatibility of heat‐pressed poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) (PBAT) membranes (mPBATs) implanted in rabbit corneas. Twelve rabbits underwent interlamellar corneal surgery in both eyes; mPBAT was inserted into one eye (treated eye = TE), while the contralateral eye served as control (CE). Histopathological analysis was performed at 30 and 60 days postimplantation (D30, D60) using hematoxylin–eosin (HE), picrosirius red (PSR), and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining. TEs exhibited mild mononuclear infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, and edema on both timepoints ( p &lt; 0.05). PSR staining revealed a significantly higher percentage of immature collagen fibers in TEs (60.02%) than CEs (28.05%) on D30 ( p = 0.002), suggesting early bioactivity. By D60, collagen maturation equilibrated between groups, indicating bioinert behavior. These findings support the potential of mPBATs as biocompatible corneal implants that promote initial tissue remodeling without chronic inflammation. Applications in corneal regeneration and implantable ophthalmic devices are promising.