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In vivo integrity of intra‐corneal bioengineered discs in rabbit models
Author(s) -
RAFAT M,
LAGALI N,
KOULIKOVSKA M,
GRIFFITH M,
FAGERHOLM 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.1755-3768.2013.4733.x
Subject(s) - inlay , cornea , biomedical engineering , rabbit (cipher) , in vivo , stromal cell , materials science , medicine , ophthalmology , pathology , dentistry , computer science , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , computer security
Background: We have previously reported the successful integration and safety of bioengineered materials as corneal substitutes in human models. Despite the promising results as corneal implants, more elastic and robust materials are required for use as thin intra‐corneal lenses to withstand surgical manipulation for corrective surgery and improved vision. Most of the existing corneal inlays are made of synthetic materials. Here we describe the potential of bioengineerd materials for vision correction. Objectives: to develop bioengineered materials as inlays within the corneal tissue as well as evaluating the in vivo integrity and integration of the materials in rabbit models. Methods: Bioengineered inlays were prepared from collagen and tested for their physical and biological propertis. A femtosecond laser was used to cut 100 mircon thick discs of mid‐stromal tissue from corneas of 20 rabbits and replaced with bioengineered inlays. Results: The new materials demonstrated improved mechanical properties while maintaining their clarity and biocompatibility. The bioengineered inlays retained their shapes, thickness, and clarity 8 weeks post‐surgery in rabbits.Commercial interest