Scientists Have Created 3D Human Cornea Bioprinting Technology
British scientists have engineered a revolutionary method that can create human corneas using advanced 3D-printng technology.
This new process uses a low-cost 3D bio-printer that can create the exact shape of a human cornea, and only takes around 10 minutes to print a cornea.
It is hoped that this innovative development can help millions of people who are waiting for corneal transplants.
Currently, there is scarcity with human cornea supply, with an estimated 10 million people worldwide requiring surgery in order to prevent corneal blindness.
Another five million people already suffer total blindness from corneal scarring caused by burns, lacerations, abrasion or disease. the researchers
“Many teams across the world have been chasing the ideal bio-ink to make this process feasible,” according to lead researcher Che Connon from Newcastle University in England.
“Our unique gel – a combination of alginate and collagen – keeps the stem cells alive whilst producing a material which is stiff enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to be squeezed out the nozzle of a 3D printer,” he explained in a university news release.
Professor Connon states that he and and his team are ready to use bio-ink with stem cells that can print tissues and they don’t need to worry about growing these cells separately.
The team has already demonstrated that a cornea can be created to match the unique specifications of a patient.
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