Sustainable Approaches to Treat Syneresis Using Bioengineered Ocular Models

This study explores sustainable methods to address syneresis by developing a bioengineered vitreous humor (VH) substitute from livestock by-products. Syneresis, the liquefaction of VH, affects 50% of individuals older than 50, leading to vision issues. Current treatments include vitrectomy and laser vitreolysis, which are invasive and have limited efficacy. This study uses ovine VH to create a hydrogel mimicking natural VH's viscoelastic and optical traits. Initial tests, including homogenization and injectability through 20G and 22G needles. Optical analysis revealed attenuation coefficients of 0.04120 mm^⁻¹, 0.05046 mm^⁻¹, and 0.04387 mm^⁻¹ corresponding to freshly processed non-homogenized, homogenized 20G, and 22G samples, respectively, and 0.03682 mm^⁻¹ for cryopreserved, intact samples. This research aligns with global efforts to promote sustainability in biomedicine by repurposing waste and advancing regenerative therapies. Future efforts will refine the hydrogel and evaluate its integration into the intact VH.