Protocol for culturing healthy primary endothelial cells isolated from research-grade human corneoscleral donor tissue

Studying the function of healthy corneal endothelial cells has been challenging due to a variety of culturing strategies. Here, we present a standardized protocol for culturing primary human corneal endothelial cells, isolated from research-grade corneoscleral donor tissue, without the addition of mitotic enhancers. We describe the required enzymes, medium composition, cell density, and incubation times. Additionally, we use immunofluorescence microscopy to illustrate optimal outcomes and discuss troubleshooting procedures.

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Publication Details

Journal
STAR Protocols
Published
2026-05-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104535
Primary Topic
Corneal surgery and disorders
Type
article
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article

Protocol for culturing healthy primary endothelial cells isolated from research-grade human corneoscleral donor tissue

Antoon J. van den Bogaerdt, Jaap D. van Buul, Ivanka J E van der Meulen, Marchien G Dallinga et al.
STAR Protocols
Corneal surgery and disorders
article

Protocol for culturing healthy primary endothelial cells isolated from research-grade human corneoscleral donor tissue

Antoon J. van den Bogaerdt, Jaap D. van Buul, Ivanka J E van der Meulen, Marchien G Dallinga, Jeffrey M A van der Krogt
article en

Abstract

Studying the function of healthy corneal endothelial cells has been challenging due to a variety of culturing strategies. Here, we present a standardized protocol for culturing primary human corneal endothelial cells, isolated from research-grade corneoscleral donor tissue, without the addition of mitotic enhancers. We describe the required enzymes, medium composition, cell density, and incubation times. Additionally, we use immunofluorescence microscopy to illustrate optimal outcomes and discuss troubleshooting procedures.

STAR ProtocolsVol. 7(2)
Utrecht University (NL), BirdLife International (KE), University Medical Center Utrecht (NL), Amsterdam Neuroscience (NL), Amsterdam University Medical Centers (NL), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (NL), University of Amsterdam (NL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Corneal surgery and disorders
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Protocol for culturing healthy primary endothelial cells isolated from research-grade human corneoscleral donor tissue — Antoon J. van den Bogaerdt, Jaap D. van Buul, et al. · STAR Protocols (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS