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Published on: September 12, 2014
Artificial corneas: a regenerative medicine approach
M Griffith1, W B Jackson, N Lagali
1University of Ottawa Eye Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada. mgriffith@ohri.ca
Eye (London, England)
|January 20, 2009
Summary
Bioengineered corneas offer alternatives to human donor tissue, addressing immune rejection and functional replacement needs. Future corneal substitutes will likely be tailored to specific clinical needs, not a single universal solution.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Shortage of human donor corneal tissue necessitates alternative solutions.
- Existing treatments for corneal damage face limitations, including immune rejection.
- Bioengineered corneas are emerging as promising alternatives for partial or full corneal replacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in bioengineered corneal substitutes.
- To discuss the potential of these substitutes in regenerating host tissues.
- To propose a future outlook for corneal substitute development.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on bioengineered corneal substitutes.
- Categorization of substitutes based on function (prostheses vs. regenerative matrices).
- Analysis of approaches including acellular matrices and cell-laden matrices.
Main Results:
- Development of diverse corneal substitutes, from functional prostheses to regenerative hydrogels.
- Examples of substitutes designed to promote host tissue regeneration are presented.
- Evidence suggests a spectrum of tailored solutions rather than a single universal substitute.
Conclusions:
- A single "one-size-fits-all" corneal substitute is unlikely to meet all clinical needs.
- A range of corneal substitutes, including prostheses and tailored tissue-engineered matrices, will likely be developed.
- Tissue-engineered matrices can be prepared as acellular or cell-complete options for implantation.
