China3D printingNet July 6th, a group of researchers from Marmara University in Turkey3D printingAn artificial cornea suitable for transplantation is created. With the help of aluminum molds, use FFF 3D printingMachine to produce PVA-chitosan corneal structure with the light bending properties of real objects.
Preliminary biological stability studies have shown that the composite structure is compatible with human stem cells, prompting them to differentiate into stromal cells. The results of the study show that rapid and customized corneal constructs have great potential for clinical applications.
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3D printingSEM imaging of the cornea. Picture from Marmara University.
Corneal stroma transplantation
The cornea is the outer protective layer of the eye. It is a transparent oval structure located in front of the iris and can dynamically bend light to focus it on the retina. Therefore, no matter how far away the object we want to look at, our field of vision is clear (at least it should be clear). However, in the case of corneal trauma or infection, corneal blindness may occur, thereby causing the cornea itself to damage the patient’s vision.
Globally, more than 10 million people are affected by this disease, and the human body cannot repair corneal endothelial cells on its own. Therefore, the only real treatment is a complete corneal transplantation with a healthy alternative. This brings the risk of infection, immune rejection, and of course a prosthesis that requires a healthy donor first.
3D printingCorneal stroma
In order to find a sustainable alternative to corneal donation, the research team first combined chitosan and PVA to form a biocompatible, elastic, and oxygen-permeable composite material.Then, the researcher drafted an aluminum mold in SolidWorks, and carried out any3D printingIt was processed before.Only use FFF technology3D printingIt cannot meet the dimensional accuracy they need, so molds can be used to perfect the shape of the cornea. Then, using different ratios of chitosan in the mixture, a set of sample corneal constructs were prepared.
Corneal printing process. Picture from Marmara University.
The 0.4mm thick construct was subjected to scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry to determine its optical properties, and further biocompatibility tests with human stem cells were performed to determine its clinical feasibility. The results showed that the PVA cornea had the correct size and shape to achieve precise light refraction, and it was found that the light transmittance value decreased with the increase of the chitosan content. The tensile strength also decreases as the content of chitosan decreases, but these structures can comfortably support typical intraocular pressure.
However, the real potential of this research comes from biocompatibility testing, because even after 30 days of degradation, the printed structure is still compatible with stem cells. Through proper cultivation, stem cells can differentiate into a usable matrix layer to support the body’s natural healing process after transplantation. The research team concluded that their work, with further development, could lead to a safer and sustainable treatment for corneal blindness.
Seven days later, SEM imaging was performed on the differentiated stem cells. Picture from Marmara University.
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