Title : Biomimetic 3D bioprinted scaffold for sutureless corneal regeneration
Abstract:
Cornea is the first transmitting layer of the eye, responsible for 75% of its refractive power. Damage to the cornea can cause blindness, which affects over 12 million people worldwide. While corneal transplant remains the sole treatment option to restore vision in many severe cases, it has associated shortcomings like donor cornea shortage, high costs, graft rejection, and disease transmission. To this end, tissue-engineered 3D constructs can serve as viable alternative, provided they emulate the mechanical strength, transparency, and curvature (refractive ability) aspects of the cornea. Herein, we propose 3D bioprinted corneal constructs which mimic the native cornea on the micro (orthogonal stromal lattice structure) as well as macro-level (shape, size, and curvature). The constructs are prepared using a combination of biomimetic materials: modified hyaluronic acid and collagen-derived peptide and are photo-crosslinked using blue light. The 3D bioprinted lenticule was elastic, demonstrated >94% transmittance, and ability to withstand intraocular pressure (IOP) as high as 27 kPa (~9 times IOP of native cornea). The adhesive nature of the hydrogel (to withstand upto 29 kPa liquid and mechanical pressure) could contribute to its application in suture-free corneal tissue repair. It showed controlled swelling and degradation properties, and the cells encapsulated in the bioink were viable after printing using extrusion based bioprinter. This 3D bioprinted lenticule has the potential to be custom-made according to the patient’s needs and can be easily scaled-up to meet the huge transplant demands. Further promising uses include loading with therapeutic agents for scarless corneal regeneration, and as disease models to accelerate drug discovery.