3D-printed cornea from Human Donor Corneal Tissue

In a first event, researchers successfully developed the 3D-printed artificial cornea from human donor corneal tissue. Artificial cornea was transplanted into a rabbit eye.

Important facts:

  • This project was undertaken by researchers from L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad in association with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad and Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
  • It has been developed indigenously, with the help of government and philanthropic funding.

Artificial Cornea:

  • Artificial cornea is completely natural and have no synthetic components.
  • It is free from animal residues. It was also found to be safe for use in patients.
  • This cornea was developed using bio-ink, which can be used by army-personnel for sight-saving at the site of injury by sealing corneal perforation. It will also prevent any infection during war-related injuries.
  • It will also be sight-saving in remote area, that have no tertiary eye care facility.

Cornea is the front layer of eye. It helps is focusing light and helps in clear vision. But corneal damage has become a leading cause of blindness across the world. Globally, 1.5 million new cases of corneal blindness are reported every year.  Thus, development of 3D-printed artificial cornea is significant for treating the diseases like corneal scarring.


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