Epitheliazing microporous biomaterial for use in avascular environments and in corneal implants

A microporous biocomposite that is suitable for surgical implantation in an avascular environment is provided. The microporous biocomposite includes (1) a polymer scaffold having a thickness less than about 100 pm and nodal structures that extend to at least one surface of the polymer scaffold and (2) a hydrophilic coating on the polymer scaffold. In some embodiments, the porous scaffold is a microporous biomaterial with nodal structures that extend from a first surface to a second surface of the microporous biomaterial. The hydrophilic coating may be a node and fibril coating. The microporous biocomposite allows for the integration and sustained viability of epithelial cells on the surface thereof as well as tissue integration and the internal colonization of the biomaterial with other cell types, such as keratocytes and fibroblasts. In at least one embodiment, the microporous biocomposite may be incorporated into an artificial corneal implant or in other avascular mesoplants. 20843221_1(GHMatters) P115167.AU.2