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Li Q, Wong HL, Ip YL, Chu WY, Li MS, Saha C, Shih KC, Chan YK. Current microfluidic platforms for reverse engineering of cornea. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100634. [PMID: 37139464 PMCID: PMC10149412 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, corneal blindness constitutes 5.1% of global blindness population. Surgical outcomes have been improved significantly in the treatment of corneal blindness. However, corneal transplantation is limited by global shortage of donor tissue, prompting researchers to explore alternative therapies such as novel ocular pharmaceutics to delay corneal disease progression. Animal models are commonly adopted for investigating pharmacokinetics of ocular drugs. However, this approach is limited by physiological differences in the eye between animals and human, ethical issues and poor bench-to-bedside translatability. Cornea-on-a-chip (CoC) microfluidic platforms have gained great attention as one of the advanced in vitro strategies for constructing physiologically representative corneal models. With significant improvements in tissue engineering technology, CoC integrates corneal cells with microfluidics to recapitulate human corneal microenvironment for the study of corneal pathophysiological changes and evaluation of ocular drugs. Such model, in complement to animal studies, can potentially accelerate translational research, in particular the pre-clinical screening of ophthalmic medication, driving clinical treatment advancement for corneal diseases. This review provides an overview of engineered CoC platforms with respect to their merits, applications, and technical challenges. Emerging directions in CoC technology are also proposed for further investigations, to accentuate preclinical obstacles in corneal research.
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Zhao Y, Hu G, Yan Y, Wang Z, Liu X, Shi H. Biomechanical analysis of ocular diseases and its in vitro study methods. Biomed Eng Online 2022; 21:49. [PMID: 35870978 PMCID: PMC9308301 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-022-01019-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases are closely related to the physiological changes in the eye sphere and its contents. Using biomechanical methods to explore the relationship between the structure and function of ocular tissue is beneficial to reveal the pathological processes. Studying the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases will be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases. We provide a critical review of recent biomechanical analysis of ocular diseases including glaucoma, high myopia, and diabetes. And try to summarize the research about the biomechanical changes in ocular tissues (e.g., optic nerve head, sclera, cornea, etc.) associated with those diseases. The methods of ocular biomechanics research in vitro in recent years are also reviewed, including the measurement of biomechanics by ophthalmic equipment, finite element modeling, and biomechanical analysis methods. And the preparation and application of microfluidic eye chips that emerged in recent years were summarized. It provides new inspiration and opportunity for the pathogenesis of eye diseases and personalized and precise treatment.
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Delivery of Cells to the Cornea Using Synthetic Biomaterials. Cornea 2022; 41:1325-1336. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ruiz-Alonso S, Villate-Beitia I, Gallego I, Lafuente-Merchan M, Puras G, Saenz-del-Burgo L, Pedraz JL. Current Insights Into 3D Bioprinting: An Advanced Approach for Eye Tissue Regeneration. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13030308. [PMID: 33653003 PMCID: PMC7996883 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a game changer technology that holds great promise for a wide variety of biomedical applications, including ophthalmology. Through this emerging technique, specific eye tissues can be custom-fabricated in a flexible and automated way, incorporating different cell types and biomaterials in precise anatomical 3D geometries. However, and despite the great progress and possibilities generated in recent years, there are still challenges to overcome that jeopardize its clinical application in regular practice. The main goal of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of the current status and implementation of 3D bioprinting technology in the ophthalmology field in order to manufacture relevant tissues such as cornea, retina and conjunctiva. Special attention is paid to the description of the most commonly employed bioprinting methods, and the most relevant eye tissue engineering studies performed by 3D bioprinting technology at preclinical level. In addition, other relevant issues related to use of 3D bioprinting for ocular drug delivery, as well as both ethical and regulatory aspects, are analyzed. Through this review, we aim to raise awareness among the research community and report recent advances and future directions in order to apply this advanced therapy in the eye tissue regeneration field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ruiz-Alonso
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ilia Villate-Beitia
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Idoia Gallego
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Markel Lafuente-Merchan
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Gustavo Puras
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Laura Saenz-del-Burgo
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.S.-d.-B.); (J.L.P.); Tel.: +(34)-945014542 (L.S.-d.-B.); +(34)-945013091 (J.L.P.)
| | - José Luis Pedraz
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (S.R.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (I.G.); (M.L.-M.); (G.P.)
- Networking Research Centre of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.S.-d.-B.); (J.L.P.); Tel.: +(34)-945014542 (L.S.-d.-B.); +(34)-945013091 (J.L.P.)
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Corneal Stem Cells as a Source of Regenerative Cell-Based Therapy. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:8813447. [PMID: 32765614 PMCID: PMC7388005 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8813447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, intensive research has focused on corneal stem cells as an unlimited source for cell-based therapy in regenerative ophthalmology. Today, it is known that the cornea has at least two types of stem cells: limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs). LESCs are used for regeneration of corneal surface, while CSSCs are used for regeneration of corneal stroma. Until now, various approaches and methods for isolation of LESCs and CSSCs and their successful transplantation have been described and tested in several preclinical studies and clinical trials. This review describes in detail phenotypic characteristics of LESCs and CSSCs and discusses their therapeutic potential in corneal regeneration. Since efficient and safe corneal stem cell-based therapy is still a challenging issue that requires continuous cooperation between researchers, clinicians, and patients, this review addresses the important limitations and suggests possible strategies for improvement of corneal stem cell-based therapy.
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Peng Z, Zhou L, Wong JKW, Chan YK. Eye-on-a-chip (EOC) models and their role in the future of ophthalmic drug discovery. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1788388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiting Peng
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, P.R.China
| | - Liangyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jasper Ka Wai Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
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Recent developments in regenerative ophthalmology. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:1450-1490. [PMID: 32621058 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) is one of the most promising disciplines for advancements in modern medicine, and regenerative ophthalmology (RO) is one of the most active fields of regenerative medicine. This review aims to provide an overview of regenerative ophthalmology, including the range of tools and materials being used, and to describe its application in ophthalmologic subspecialties, with the exception of surgical implantation of artificial tissues or organs (e.g., contact lens, artificial cornea, intraocular lens, artificial retina, and bionic eyes) due to space limitations. In addition, current challenges and limitations of regenerative ophthalmology are discussed and future directions are highlighted.
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Mobaraki M, Abbasi R, Omidian Vandchali S, Ghaffari M, Moztarzadeh F, Mozafari M. Corneal Repair and Regeneration: Current Concepts and Future Directions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:135. [PMID: 31245365 PMCID: PMC6579817 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a unique tissue and the most powerful focusing element of the eye, known as a window to the eye. Infectious or non-infectious diseases might cause severe visual impairments that need medical intervention to restore patients' vision. The most prominent characteristics of the cornea are its mechanical strength and transparency, which are indeed the most important criteria considerations when reconstructing the injured cornea. Corneal strength comes from about 200 collagen lamellae which criss-cross the cornea in different directions and comprise nearly 90% of the thickness of the cornea. Regarding corneal transparency, the specific characteristics of the cornea include its immune and angiogenic privilege besides its limbus zone. On the other hand, angiogenic privilege involves several active cascades in which anti-angiogenic factors are produced to compensate for the enhanced production of proangiogenic factors after wound healing. Limbus of the cornea forms a border between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, and its limbal stem cells (LSCs) are essential in maintenance and repair of the adult cornea through its support of corneal epithelial tissue repair and regeneration. As a result, the main factors which threaten the corneal clarity are inflammatory reactions, neovascularization, and limbal deficiency. In fact, the influx of inflammatory cells causes scar formation and destruction of the limbus zone. Current studies about wound healing treatment focus on corneal characteristics such as the immune response, angiogenesis, and cell signaling. In this review, studied topics related to wound healing and new approaches in cornea regeneration, which are mostly related to the criteria mentioned above, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmahdi Mobaraki
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Abbasi
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajjad Omidian Vandchali
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghaffari
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fathollah Moztarzadeh
- Biomaterials Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zheng J, Huang X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Qin Q, Lin L, Jin X, Lam C, Zhang J. Short‐term results of acellular porcine corneal stroma keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis. Xenotransplantation 2019; 26:e12509. [PMID: 30968461 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zheng
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Xiaodan Huang
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Yi Wang
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Lin Lin
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Xiuming Jin
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Ching Lam
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Jinnan Zhang
- China Regenerative Medicine International Limited Wanchai Hong Kong
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Elçin YM. Special Issue: Organs-on-Chips & 3D-Bioprinting Technologies for Personalized Medicine. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 13:319-320. [PMID: 28540601 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaşar Murat Elçin
- Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials & Nanobiotechnology Laboratory (ElcinLab), Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey. .,Biovalda Health Technologies, Inc., Ankara, Turkey.
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Bennet D, Estlack Z, Reid T, Kim J. A microengineered human corneal epithelium-on-a-chip for eye drops mass transport evaluation. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1539-1551. [PMID: 29736535 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00158h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Animals are commonly used for pharmacokinetic studies which are the most frequent events tested during ocular drug development and preclinical evaluation. Inaccuracy, cost, and ethical criticism in these tests have created a need to construct an in vitro model for studying corneal constraints. In this work, a porous membrane embedded microfluidic platform is fabricated that separates a chip into an apical and basal side. After functionalizing the membrane surface with fibronectin, the membrane's mechanical and surface properties are measured to ensure correct modeling of in vivo characteristics. Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells are cultured on the membrane to create a microengineered corneal epithelium-on-a-chip (cornea chip) that is validated with experiments designed to test the barrier properties of the human corneal epithelium construct using model drugs. A pulsatile flow model is used that closely mimics the ocular precorneal constraints and is reasonable for permeability analysis that models in vivo conditions. This model can be used for preclinical evaluations of potential therapeutic drugs and to mimic the environment of the human cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devasier Bennet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
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