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Abstract
Millions of people worldwide are bilaterally blind due to corneal diseases including infectious etiologies, trauma, and chemical injuries. While corneal transplantation can successfully restore sight in many, corneal graft survival decreases in eyes with chronic inflammation and corneal vascularization. Additionally, the availability of donor cornea material can be limited, especially in underdeveloped countries where corneal blindness may also be highly prevalent. Development of methods to create and implant an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis)may be the only option for patients whose eye disease is not suitable for corneal transplantation or who live in regions where corneal transplantation is not possible. The Boston keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) is the most commonly implanted keratoprosthesis worldwide, having restored vision in thousands of patients. This article describes the initial design of the B-KPro and the modifications that have been made over many years. Additionally, some of the complications of surgical implantation and long-term care challenges, particularly complicating inflammation and glaucoma, are discussed. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 8 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claes Dohlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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2
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Kate A, Basu S. A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:836009. [PMID: 35692544 PMCID: PMC9175008 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.836009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can cause significant corneal vascularization and scarring and often results in serious visual morbidity. An early and accurate diagnosis can help prevent the same with a timely and appropriate intervention. This review aims to provide an understanding of the different diagnostic tools and presents an algorithmic approach to the management based on a comprehensive clinical examination. Although the diagnosis of LSCD usually relies on the clinical findings, they can be subjective and non-specific. In such cases, using an investigative modality offers an objective method of confirming the diagnosis. Several diagnostic tools have been described in literature, each having its own advantages and limitations. Impression cytology and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) aid in the diagnosis of LSCD by detecting the presence of goblet cells. With immunohistochemistry, impression cytology can help in confirming the corneal or conjunctival source of epithelium. Both IVCM and anterior segment optical coherence tomography can help supplement the diagnosis of LSCD by characterizing the corneal and limbal epithelial changes. Once the diagnosis is established, one of various surgical techniques can be adopted for the treatment of LSCD. These surgeries aim to provide a new source of corneal epithelial stem cells and help in restoring the stability of the ocular surface. The choice of procedure depends on several factors including the involvement of the ocular adnexa, presence of systemic co-morbidities, status of the fellow eye and the comfort level of the surgeon. In LSCD with wet ocular surfaces, autologous and allogeneic limbal stem cell transplantation is preferred in unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively. Another approach in bilateral LSCD with wet ocular surfaces is the use of an autologous stem cell source of a different epithelial lineage, like oral or nasal mucosa. In eyes with bilateral LSCD with significant adnexal issues, a keratoprosthesis is the only viable option. This review provides an overview on the diagnosis and treatment of LSCD, which will help the clinician choose the best option amongst all the therapeutic modalities currently available and gives a clinical perspective on customizing the treatment for each individual case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Kate
- The Cornea Institute, KVC Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- *Correspondence: Sayan Basu
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3
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The Historical Development and an Overview of Contemporary Keratoprostheses. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1175-1199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Holland G, Pandit A, Sánchez-Abella L, Haiek A, Loinaz I, Dupin D, Gonzalez M, Larra E, Bidaguren A, Lagali N, Moloney EB, Ritter T. Artificial Cornea: Past, Current, and Future Directions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:770780. [PMID: 34869489 PMCID: PMC8632951 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.770780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are a leading cause of blindness with an estimated 10 million patients diagnosed with bilateral corneal blindness worldwide. Corneal transplantation is highly successful in low-risk patients with corneal blindness but often fails those with high-risk indications such as recurrent or chronic inflammatory disorders, history of glaucoma and herpetic infections, and those with neovascularisation of the host bed. Moreover, the need for donor corneas greatly exceeds the supply, especially in disadvantaged countries. Therefore, artificial and bio-mimetic corneas have been investigated for patients with indications that result in keratoplasty failure. Two long-lasting keratoprostheses with different indications, the Boston type-1 keratoprostheses and osteo-odonto-keratoprostheses have been adapted to minimise complications that have arisen over time. However, both utilise either autologous tissue or an allograft cornea to increase biointegration. To step away from the need for donor material, synthetic keratoprostheses with soft skirts have been introduced to increase biointegration between the device and native tissue. The AlphaCor™, a synthetic polymer (PHEMA) hydrogel, addressed certain complications of the previous versions of keratoprostheses but resulted in stromal melting and optic deposition. Efforts are being made towards creating synthetic keratoprostheses that emulate native corneas by the inclusion of biomolecules that support enhanced biointegration of the implant while reducing stromal melting and optic deposition. The field continues to shift towards more advanced bioengineering approaches to form replacement corneas. Certain biomolecules such as collagen are being investigated to create corneal substitutes, which can be used as the basis for bio-inks in 3D corneal bioprinting. Alternatively, decellularised corneas from mammalian sources have shown potential in replicating both the corneal composition and fibril architecture. This review will discuss the limitations of keratoplasty, milestones in the history of artificial corneal development, advancements in current artificial corneas, and future possibilities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne Holland
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Laura Sánchez-Abella
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Andrea Haiek
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Damien Dupin
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | | | - Aritz Bidaguren
- Ophthalmology Department, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth B. Moloney
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Thomas Ritter
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Sharifi S, Islam MM, Sharifi H, Islam R, Nilsson PH, Dohlman CH, Mollnes TE, Paschalis EI, Chodosh J. Sputter Deposition of Titanium on Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Enhances Corneal Biocompatibility. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:41. [PMID: 33442495 PMCID: PMC7774111 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.13.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate titanium (Ti) sputtering of the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) stem of the Boston Keratoprosthesis (BK) as a method to enhance interfacial adhesion between the PMMA and the recipient corneal tissue. Methods PMMA specimens were plasma treated with Ar/O2 and coated with Ti using a DC magnetron sputtering instrument. The topography and hydrophilicity of the surfaces were characterized using atomic force microscopy and a water contact angle instrument, respectively. Scratch hardness and adhesion of the Ti film were measured using a mechanical tester. Biocompatibility assessments were performed using cultured human corneal fibroblasts and whole blood ex vivo. The optical quality of the Ti sputtered BK was evaluated using a custom-made optical bench. Results By contact angle studies, the Ti coating improved PMMA hydrophilicity to match that of medical-grade Ti (Ti-6Al-4V-ELI). Ti sputtering of contact surfaces resulted in a plate-like morphology with increased surface roughness, without impacting the transparency of the BK optical component. Scratch testing indicated that the mechanical behavior of the Ti coating was similar to that of casted Ti, and the coating was stable in pull-off adhesion testing. Sputtered Ti film was highly biocompatible based on tests of cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, collagen deposition, and keratocan expression, the properties of which exceeded those of uncoated PMMA and did not induce increased complement activation. Conclusions Titanium coating of the BK stem generated a mechanically and biologically favorable interface, which may help to enhance corneal stromal adhesion and biocompatibility. Translational Relevance Improving the biocompatibility of the BK PMMA stem may improve long-term outcomes of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Mirazul Islam
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Sharifi
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rakibul Islam
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per H Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Linnaeus Center for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Claes H Dohlman
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tom Eirik Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway; Faculty of Health Sciences, K.G. Jebsen TREC, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eleftherios I Paschalis
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Chodosh
- Disruptive Technology Laboratory and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Hui PC, Pereira LA, Dore R, Chen S, Taniguchi E, Chodosh J, Dohlman CH, Paschalis EI. Intrinsic Optical Properties of Boston Keratoprosthesis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:10. [PMID: 33200051 PMCID: PMC7645245 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.12.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To benchmark the optical performance of Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro). Methods Back focal lengths (BFL) of B-KPros for various eye axial lengths were measured using an optical bench, International Organization for Standardization–certified for intraocular lens characterization, and compared against manufacturer's specification. The modulation transfer function (MTF) and the resolution efficiencies were measured. The theoretical geometry-dependent higher-order aberrations (HOA) were calculated. The devices were characterized with optical profilometry for estimating the surface scattering. Aberration correction and subsequent image quality improvement were simulated in CODE-V. Natural scene-imaging was performed in a mock ocular environment. Retrospective analysis of 15 B-KPro recipient eyes were presented to evaluate the possibility of achieving 20/20 best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results BFL measurements were in excellent agreement with the manufacturer-reported values (r = 0.999). The MTF specification exceeded what is required for achieving 20/20 visual acuity. Astigmatism and field curvature, correctable in simulations, were the primary aberrations limiting imaging performance. Profilometry of the anterior surface revealed nanoscale roughness (root-mean-square amplitude, 30–50 nm), contributing negligibly to optical scattering. Images of natural scenes obtained with a simulated B-KPro eye demonstrated good central vision, with 10/10 visual acuity (equivalent to 20/20). Full restoration of 20/20 BCVA was obtainable for over 9 years in some patients. Conclusions Theoretical and experimental considerations demonstrate that B-KPro has the optical capacity to restore 20/20 BCVA in patients. Further image quality improvement can be anticipated through correction of HOAs. Translational Relevance We establish an objective benchmark to characterize the optics of the B-KPro and other keratoprosthesis and propose design changes to allow improved vision in B-KPro patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui-Chuen Hui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston Keratoprosthesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonardo A Pereira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Renald Dore
- University of Rochester, Institute of Optics, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Shengtong Chen
- University of Rochester, Institute of Optics, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Elise Taniguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston Keratoprosthesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Chodosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claes H Dohlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston Keratoprosthesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eleftherios I Paschalis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston Keratoprosthesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Geoffrion D, Harissi-Dagher M. Improving glaucoma management for the Boston keratoprosthesis type 1: tubes versus lasers. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1809378] [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: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Geoffrion
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montreal, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mona Harissi-Dagher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montreal, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Nonpassopon M, Niparugs M, Cortina MS. Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis: Updated Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:1189-1200. [PMID: 32425503 PMCID: PMC7196770 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s219270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (BKPro) has significantly increased worldwide. It is no longer considered a procedure of last resort but a reasonable option for patients with otherwise poor prognosis for a traditional penetrating keratoplasty. BKPro was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1992 for bilateral severe corneal blindness due to multiple corneal transplant failure. Over the years, indications have extended beyond recurrent immunologic rejection to include other conditions such as chemical injury and other causes of bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency, extensive corneal neovascularization, neurotrophic corneas and hypotony, among others. Numerous advances in the design of the BKPro, improvement of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management have resulted in favorable outcomes and a reduction in postoperative complications. Accordingly, many studies have shown that implantation of this device is highly effective in restoring vision with very good short-term outcomes. However, due to the lifetime risk of sight-threatening complications after BKPro implantation, a longer follow-up period should provide outcomes that are more realistic. In this review, the authors examined only the results of publications with an average of at least 2 years of follow-up. The overall intermediate to long-term visual outcomes and retention rate in BKPro seem to be favorable. However, autoimmune diseases and cicatrizing conditions continue to show a higher incidence of postoperative complications that require further management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manachai Nonpassopon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Muanploy Niparugs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chaing Mai University, Chaing Mai, Thailand
| | - Maria Soledad Cortina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Griffith M, Poudel BK, Malhotra K, Akla N, González-Andrades M, Courtman D, Hu V, Alarcon EI. Biosynthetic alternatives for corneal transplant surgery. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1754798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- May Griffith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bijay Kumar Poudel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kamal Malhotra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Naoufal Akla
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miguel González-Andrades
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reina Sofia University Hospital and University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - David Courtman
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, and Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Victor Hu
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Center for Eye Health, London, UK
| | - Emilio I. Alarcon
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Design and Outcomes of a Novel Keratoprosthesis: Addressing Unmet Needs in End-Stage Cicatricial Corneal Blindness. Cornea 2019; 39:484-490. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Li Z, Goh TW, Yam GHF, Thompson BC, Hu H, Setiawan M, Sun W, Riau AK, Tan DT, Khor KA, Mehta JS. A sintered graphene/titania material as a synthetic keratoprosthesis skirt for end-stage corneal disorders. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:585-596. [PMID: 31129362 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
An artificial cornea or keratoprosthesis requires high mechanical strength, good biocompatibility, and sufficient wear and corrosion resistance to withstand the hostile environment. We report a reduced graphene oxide-reinforced titania-based composite for this application. Graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO) and liquid crystalline graphene oxide (LCGO) were the graphene precursors and mixed with titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder. The composites reinforced with reduced GO or LCGO were produced through spark plasma sintering (SPS). The mechanical properties (Young's modulus and hardness), wear behaviour and corrosion resistance were studied using nanoindentation, anoidic polarization, long-term corrosion assay in artificial tear fluid and tribology assay in corroboration with atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Biocompatibility was assessed by human corneal stromal cell attachment, survival and proliferation, and DNA damages. Sintered composites were implanted into rabbit corneas to assess for in vivo stability and host tissue responses. We showed that reduced graphene/TiO2 hybrids were safe and biocompatible. In particular, the 1% reduced LCGO/TiO2 (1rLCGO/TiO2) composite was mechanically strong, chemically stable, and showed better wear and corrosion resistance than pure titania and other combinations of graphene-reinforced titania. Hence the 1rLCGO/ TiO2 bioceramics can be a potential skirt biomaterial for keratoprosthesis to treat end-stage corneal blindness. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is an artificial cornea procedure used to restore vision in end-stage corneal diseases, however it is contraindicated in young subjects, patients with advanced imflammatory diseases and posterior segment complications. Hence, there is a need of an improved keratoprosthesisskirt material with high mechanical and chemical stability, wear resistance and tissue integration ability. Our study characterized a reduced graphene oxide-reinforced titania-based biomaterial, which demonstrated strong mechanical strength, wear and corrosion resistance, and was safe and biocompatible to human corneal stromal cells. In vivo implantation to rabbit corneas did not cause any immune and inflammation outcomes. In conclusion, this invention is a potential keratoprosthesis skirt biomaterial to withstand the hostile environment in treating end-stage corneal blindness.
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