Purpose
<br /> To assess the utility of an emerging technology : the Biological assisted Laser Printing (BioLP) using Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) for optimization and customization of epi-on corneal collagen crosslinking in progressive keratoconus patients.
Methods
<br /> 17 riboflavin bioinks were formulated for a specific use on the laser platform. The rheological parameters, the quality of spreading in the cartridge, and the velocity regime in the laser platform were estimated for all the riboflavin solutions. The fastest and most wettable riboflavin bioink was selected and tested in the bioprinting device to perform some ultrafast riboflavin ejections toward collagen-based scaffolds, filmed in time-resolved imaging and analysed in fluorescence microscopy, then toward epi-on porcine corneal explants mounted on artificial anterior chambers, examined with slit lamp and confocal microscopy (HRT II, Heidelberg, Germany) before and after the procedure.
Results
<br /> A bioink chosen for its good wettability and critical velocity of 227 m/s allowed the riboflavin jet to penetrate into the collagen-based scaffolds and to soak it. Although three first attempts performed on porcine corneas did not confirm these results, high resolution on-demand riboflavin patterns were successfully printed on porcine corneal explants.
Conclusions
<br /> Bioprinting assisted by laser is a promising technology that offers many medical applications. Ultrafast riboflavin jets on collagenic model were performed successfully with the BioLP technology. Future improvements of the machine-cornea interface should allow a preclinical confirmation of these results in a near future.