Premium
Conception and optimization of a corneal bioreactor
Author(s) -
TRONE MC,
CAMPOLMI N,
GAUTHIER AS,
NEFZAOUI C,
BERNARD A,
NAIGEON N,
NANGOUMFOSSO T,
PISELLI S,
GARRAUD O,
ACQUART S,
THURET G,
GAIN P
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2013.3231.x
Subject(s) - biomedical engineering , biocompatibility , cornea , materials science , ophthalmology , engineering , medicine , metallurgy
Purpose Restoration of a trans‐corneal pressure (P) gradient and continuous circulation of fluids on both sides of the cornea could improve endothelial cell survival and reduce stromal swelling and Descemet folding during long‐term corneal storage. Aim: to present the technical requirements and the technical choices we made during the development of an innovative corneal bioreactor (BR) Methods Main functions were defined with a process of functional analysis of needs in collaboration with eye bankers. Successive prototypes were built using 3D printing with biocompatible resins, and machining of PMMA blocks, and windows made out of optical grade glass were glued. Different types of connecting tubes were assessed. Efficiency was analysed in term of capacity of maintaining the cornea perfectly tighten in order to create 2 hermetic endo and epi compartments. P (adjustable from 0 to 50 mmHg with a mini‐LCD screen for live display) was regulated by a continuous irrigation from a disposable infusion system associated with a P sensor and a micro‐solenoid valve driven by a customized microcontroller Results The 3 most challenging points were: 1/waterproofness between epi and endo chambers that require to use corneas with at least a 16 mm diameter regular scleral rim 2/ biocompatibility of glues 3/ oxidation and alcalinization of storage medium caused by materials permeable to atmospheric gases. Since 2 years, 9 successive prototypes allowed selection of efficient solutions Conclusion Our innovative BR will be useful for both laboratory research and corneal storage by eye banks in a next future. Grant: ABM 2012, EFS 2012, ANSM 2012. PG, GT and SA patented the BR