Cornea made of gel
A revolutionary alternative to corneal transplantation has been created
Georgy Golovanov, Hi-tech+
An international group of scientists suggests applying a liquid gel created by them to the inflamed eye instead of a donor cornea transplant operation, which quickly hardens in natural conditions. The collagen-like material restores the damaged organ, and the patient does not need to resort to transplantation surgery.
Article by McTiernan et al. LiQD Cornea: Pro-regeneration collagen mimetics as patches and alternatives to corneal transplantation published in the journal Science Advances – VM.
Corneal perforation due to infection or inflammation is sealed with a special glue, but this is a short-term solution, because the eye does not tolerate an alien environment. A transplant is required. Transplantation is the main method of treating corneal blindness, but the lack of a donor cornea requires the development of other treatment options.
Created by a group of scientists, the liquid cornea LiQD Cornea is an alternative to transplantation and glue. This cell-free hydrogel matrix serves to regenerate the cornea and consists of short collagen-like peptides mixed with polyethylene glycol and protein fibrinogen to provide stickiness, according to a press release from the Université de Montréal A revolutionary new treatment alternative to corneal transplantation.
As a result, LiQD Cornea provides tissue regeneration, restoring a person's own cornea. Thus, the treatment of corneal perforation occurs without the need for transplantation.
The solidification of the applied mass occurs by itself, at normal body temperature, within five minutes. Exposure to light is not required – which is a clear plus, since patients with corneal inflammation often have photosensitivity. Self-assembling artificial collagen analog is much cheaper than human recombinant collagen and reduces the risk of rejection by the immune system.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru