Abstract
Purpose: :
To demonstrate the suitability of gold nanorods as chromophores to mediate the infrared laser welding of ocular tissues
Methods: :
Gold nanorods, with an optical absorption at 800 nm, have been synthesised to be used as laser chromophores in diode laser welding procedures. Porcine anterior capsular and corneal tissues were used. A patch of both tissues was stained with the nanorods and then laid onto the same intact tissue. Irradiation was performed with diode laser. The welded tissue sandwiches were then prepared for histological examination.
Results: :
Successful and reproducible welding was achieved with satisfactory mechanical strength of the weld. Histological analysis showed thermal denaturation and soldering of the endogenous collagen all through the weld sites.
Conclusions: :
Gold nanorods are suitable exogenous chromophores for the laser welding of ocular tissues. They can be potentially used to perform the closure of capsulorhexes in lens refilling procedures, offering high stability and functionalization to target specific connective tissues.
Keywords: laser • cornea: basic science