The development of a 3D artificial cornea treatment

Researchers from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Veterinary Science and Faculty of Engineering in Bangkok, Thailand, have collaborated to develop a 3-dimensional (3D) artificial cornea from stem cells, providing a new treatment for deep corneal wounds in dogs.¹ This innovation addresses the challenge of relying on scarce and costly tissue replacements, enabling dogs to regain clear and comfortable vision.

Most mild or moderate cases of corneal ulcers can be treated with eye drops, while deeply infected ulcers could require surgery. This innovation from Chulalongkorn University creates a treatment option for corneal perforations in dogs, large corneal wounds that cannot be stitched, and deep wounds with significant corneal tissue loss.

Chutirat Torssahakul, veterinarian and faculty of veterinary internal medicine at Chulalongkorn University. (Photo courtesy of Chulalongkorn University)

"Corneal ulcers occur as a result of many reasons, such as dogs scratching their own eyes because they have allergies causing itching around the eyes followed by scratching until the lesions form. Fights with other dogs, being scratched by a cat, or accidentally bumps into objects" said Chutirat Torssahakul, veterinarian and faculty of veterinary internal medicine at Chulalongkorn University, in a news release.^1,2

"The current treatment being used is to have grafts made from replacement tissue derived from porcine bladder or canine placentas which are rare and relatively expensive. There is also the possibility of causing post-surgery reaction and inflammation. Therefore, we thought that if we could produce our own innovative artificial cornea using natural materials that are easily found and reduce the chance of causing inflammation this might be a better option," Torssahakul stated.¹

According to the news release¹ and after testing its efficacy in published studies,³ the 3D artificial cornea innovation offers several outstanding features. Firstly, it closely resembles the real corneal surface. Research shows that lab-grown stem cells can create tissue cells, resulting in an interconnected extracellular matrix and a surface outline similar to a natural cornea. The arrangement of stem cells in the cornea is particularly remarkable for its orderliness, maintaining the clarity of the cornea compared to other somewhat opaque alternative materials currently in use.

Secondly, the cornea is derived entirely from natural substances. The stem cells used are harvested from the treated dog's cornea or collected from recently deceased corpses, reducing the risk of post-transplantation inflammation or irritation. The cell adhesion structure is made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. Over time, the stem cells create their own cell network, forming three-dimensional pieces while the structural materials naturally degrade by enzymes.

Thirdly, the artificial cornea can be trimmed during transplantation. As 3D sheets, they can be customized to fit the wound where the cornea is missing.

Finally, wounds heal faster with this innovation. Stem cells, being living cells, aid in network formation and cell adhesion. They also help strengthen and build collagen, promoting wound healing. This is different from using graft sheets that do not contain living cells.^1,2

Image courtesy of Chulalongkorn University.

Torssahakul explained, "Artificial corneal tissue is obtained by cultivating real dog corneal stem cells on a natural material structure made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. The material can be cheaply and easily found in Thailand. It is strong and durable, clear and transparent, and adheres well to cells making them 3D which is comparable to real corneal tissue."^1,2

"The research we have done has produced satisfactory results. It is expected that this innovation will be applied to dogs in the next few years. Moreover, we have plans to apply this knowledge to cats as well from cell collection, locating cells, separating cells, and arranging cells" she continued.

Until the 3D artificial cornea treatment is available for use in veterinary medicine, more in-depth information can be found through the published study in the PLoS One journal.³

References

1. 3D artificial cornea from stem cells: Chula researchers advance canine corneal wound treatment. News release. Chulalongkorn University. July 9, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3d-artificial-cornea-from-stem-cells-chula-researchers-advance-canine-corneal-wound-treatment-302191982.html
2. Rukpium P. 3D artificial cornea from stem cells: Chula researchers advance canine corneal wound treatment. Chula. June 27, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/170754/
3. Torsahakul C, Israsena N, Khramchantuk S, et al. Bio-fabrication of stem-cell-incorporated corneal epithelial and stromal equivalents from silk fibroin and gelatin-based biomaterial for canine corneal regeneration. PLoS One. 2022;17(2):e0263141. Published 2022 Feb 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263141