Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
11:42
Combination of Microstereolithography and Electrospinning to Produce Membranes Equipped with Niches for Corneal Regeneration
Published on: September 12, 2014
13.0K
Tissue Engineering the Cornea: The Evolution of RAFT.
Hannah J Levis1, Alvena K Kureshi2, Isobel Massie3
1Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. h.levis@ucl.ac.uk.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|March 27, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed Real Architecture for 3D Tissues (RAFT), a refined collagen plastic compression technique. This method creates biomimetic corneal tissue equivalents for transplantation and in vitro study, addressing donor shortages.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Corneal blindness impacts millions globally, with donor tissue shortages limiting treatment options.
- Current treatments rely on tissue transplantation, which faces significant supply constraints.
- Development of artificial scaffolds is crucial for alternative corneal repair strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of plastic compression of collagen into the Real Architecture for 3D Tissues (RAFT) process.
- To highlight the standardization and Good Manufacturing Practice considerations for RAFT.
- To present RAFT-generated tissue equivalents for potential therapeutic and research applications.
Main Methods:
- Refinement of plastic compression technique using collagen.
- Standardization of the RAFT production process.
- Assessment of biomimetic properties of engineered tissues.
Main Results:
- The RAFT process has been successfully standardized.
- Engineered epithelial and endothelial tissue equivalents exhibit biomimetic characteristics.
- RAFT tissues are suitable for transplantation and in vitro research.
Conclusions:
- The RAFT technique offers a viable method for producing corneal tissue equivalents.
- This approach addresses the critical need for alternative therapies in corneal blindness treatment.
- RAFT-engineered tissues hold promise for both clinical transplantation and advanced cell interaction studies.
