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Photocurable GelMA Adhesives for Corneal Perforations
Inês A Barroso1, Kenny Man1, Thomas E Robinson1
1School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 24, 2022
Summary
A new bioadhesive made from gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) offers a safe and effective alternative for treating corneal perforations. This fast-curing hydrogel provides a smooth, transparent surface, supporting vision and healing without toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Current treatments for corneal and scleral perforations, such as sutures and cyanoacrylate glues, have significant drawbacks including invasiveness, infection risk, astigmatism, cytotoxicity, and inflammation.
- A critical unmet clinical need exists for a rapid-curing, strong, and biocompatible tissue adhesive with minimal adverse effects on ocular tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer and evaluate a novel gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) based bioadhesive for the management of corneal and scleral perforations.
- To assess the adhesive's crosslinking properties, biocompatibility, mechanical strength, optical properties, and potential for supporting cellular functions.
Main Methods:
- A GelMA-based hydrogel adhesive was synthesized and crosslinked in situ within 2 minutes using UV or visible light with a riboflavin (RF)/sodium persulfate (SPS) system.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate wound filling and surface contour.
- Ex vivo studies in porcine eyes assessed burst pressure, while hydrogel properties (transmittance, water content, storage modulus) were measured.
- In vitro cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays were performed using human dermal fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- The GelMA adhesive demonstrated rapid in situ crosslinking and effectively filled corneal wounds, creating a smooth ocular surface contour.
- Ex vivo studies showed comparable burst pressures to cyanoacrylates (49 ± 9 kPa).
- The hydrogel exhibited excellent optical transmittance (90%), high water content (85%), and mechanical properties (storage modulus 5 kPa) similar to the human cornea.
- In vitro testing confirmed the GelMA adhesive's non-toxicity and ability to support human dermal fibroblast adhesion and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The developed GelMA bioadhesive presents a promising, fast-curing, and biocompatible alternative for corneal and scleral perforation repair.
- Its favorable optical, mechanical, and biological properties, combined with ease of administration, suggest potential as a stromal filler or sealant for ocular surface applications.
- Gelatin's availability and cost-effectiveness further enhance its potential clinical utility.
