Objective      To investigate the characteristics and cytocompatibility of human-amniotic membrane (HAM) fixed with genipin in vitro and to provide a proper biomaterial for ocular surface reconstru-ction.       Methods      The de-epithelialized HAM were treated by 0.5% genipin for 30 min

then examined with naked-eye

light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Untreated HAM served as control. Subsequently

the biomechanics tests were also performed for the tensile strength

elongation at break

and elastic modulus of the treated and untreated HAM. Their thickness and collagenase digestion were measured and observed on the treated and untreated HAM.The cytotoxicity of the genipin-fixed materials was evaluated in vitro by MTT assay using a mouse-derived established cell line of BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts as test cells.       Results      The genipin-crosslinked HAM was blue

with very-well-preserved collagen fiber. The tensile strength

elongation at break

and elastic modulus were（1.489±0.405）MPa

（25.337±5.137）%

and （0.004 7±0.002 1） GPa respectively in the treated HAM

significantly higher than the fresh control HAM [(0.704±0.139)MPa

(15.488±6.021)%

(0.002 9±0.011 8)GPa

respectively P0.05]. Genipin-crosslinked HAM had increased resistance to collagenase digestion

significantly better than the fresh control HAM. The former was still existed until the end of the experiment (4 weeks) with a degradation rate of （74.62±3.81）%

while the later HAM was degradated completely on the first day. The relative growth rate (RGR) of genipin-fixed HAM was high

and the cytotoxicity of this material was grade 0 to 1.        Conclusion      The genipin-fixed HAM is a promising material for ocular surface reconstruction

which can be used as a tissue engineering material for ocular surface treatment.