Development and characterization of a hydrogel-based adhesive patch for sealing open-globe injuries

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Severe ocular injuries necessitate advanced surgical interventions, often requiring operating theaters and specialized skills.
• Existing surgical adhesives for ocular injuries lack optimal bioavailability, adhesion, and mechanical properties.
• There is a critical need for accessible, effective solutions for emergent management of eye wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and optimize photocrosslinkable hydrogel-based adhesive patches for sealing ocular injuries.
• To evaluate the physical properties, cytotoxicity, and adhesive performance of the developed hydrogel patches.
• To assess the ex vivo feasibility of hydrogel patches in sealing complex open-globe injuries.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and formulation of photocrosslinkable hydrogels with tunable properties.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays to assess biocompatibility.
• Ex vivo adhesion testing on pig eyeballs and comparison with a commercial sealant.
• Feasibility studies on various complex ocular injury models.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel properties (viscosity, modulus, strength, adhesion, transparency, etc.) were finely tuned by adjusting polymer type and concentration.
• In vitro studies confirmed no cytotoxicity of the hydrogel formulations.
• Hydrogel patches demonstrated superior adhesion compared to a marketed ocular sealant on ex vivo models.
• Successful sealing of complex open-globe injuries, including large incisions and tissue loss injuries, was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed photocrosslinkable hydrogel patch is a promising, easily applicable solution for sealing ocular injuries.
• This technology offers a potential alternative for emergent stabilization of eye wounds before definitive surgical repair.
• The tunable properties and excellent adhesion suggest broad applicability in managing various types of ocular trauma.