Abstract
Purpose: :
To develop and evaluate an in situ photopolymerizable dendritic adhesive that is capable of sealing corneal transplants and repairing corneal lacerations.
Methods: :
In our study, we used enucleated porcine eyes to determine if dendritic polymers can secure a central corneal laceration and corneal trasplant. The first generation dendrimers in this study consisted of glycerol, succinic acid and poly(ethylene glycol). Three different dendrimers consisting of increasing PEG molecular weights (3400, 10000, and 20000) were investigated to determine the best formulation for sealing both a small and large ocular wound, and are designated as A, B, and C, respectively. In this study, a 4.1 mm keratome blade was used to create a 4.1 mm central corneal laceration. An adhesive composed of either A, B, or C at 10 % w/v was applied as a solution on the laceration and photopolymerized. In a corneal transplant, the entire thickness of the cornea was removed as a button using an 8 mm trephine and this button was autographed back on the existing eye. The button was then sutured in place with 8, 10–0 nylon, sutures along with 100 µL of either a 20 or 40 % w/v solutions A, B and C. The pressure, at which fluid leaked from treatment with sutures, sutures and adhesive, and untreated eyes, was determined.
Results: :
The leaking pressure for the central laceration without sutures was less than 5 mm Hg. After applying B, and C at a 10 % w/v, the leaking pressure was recorded as 250 mm Hg ± 72 mm Hg (n = 3) and 37 mm Hg ± 28 mm Hg (n = 3). At 10 % w/v, solution A had a very low viscosity and was not able to stay in place before photopolymerization could occur. In a corneal transplant, the leaking pressure for 8 sutures alone was less than 5 mm Hg. Leaking pressures for 8 sutures along with a 20 % w/v of A, B, and C were 26 mm Hg ± 14 mm Hg (n = 3), 85 mm Hg ± 22 mm Hg (n = 3), and 54 mm Hg ± 50 mm Hg (n = 3), respectively. The leaking pressure for 8 sutures along with a 40 % w/v of solution A was 39 mm Hg ± 1 mm Hg (n = 3).
Conclusions: :
This study shows that photopolymerizable dendritic adhesives can seal both a central corneal laceration and corneal transplant.
Keywords: wound healing • cornea: basic science • laser