In quest of a novel artificial cornea using biomimetic nanotopography

Abstract

Purpose : By incorporating nanotopography to the surface on a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) button, we present a novel artificial cornea design to address some of the challenges with current available devices. This study demonstrates the durability of design in porcine and human cadaver corneas.

Methods : A curved PMMA button was milled down and cut into shape using instruments similar to those used in manufacturing hard contact lenses. 8 suture holes were drilled in the skirt. A second version of this button was modified using a nanoimprinting technique to provide differential nanotexturing to the central area of the device.

The PMMA buttons were implanted into two porcine eyes and one human cadaver eye. The recipient cornea was cut using a 6 mm trephine. A crescent blade was used to create a plane within the stroma to place the skirt of the device. The implant was then sutured into place with eight 10-0 nylon sutures passed through the drilled suture holes.

Results : Our PMMA prototype was successfully implanted into porcine and human cadaver eyes using standard corneal transplantation instruments. There was no structural damage to the prototype, and it was able to be sutured into place. Raising the intraocular pressure demonstrated gross wound stability with water tight seal even at above normal physiologic tensions.

Conclusions : We describe a novel design of artificial cornea and its successful implantation into porcine and human cadaver eyes. This design uses differential surface nanotexturing to potentially alter cell adhesion, thereby minimizing bacterial adherence and improving integration into the human cornea. Future studies will address durability and integration of the device into live animal models.

This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.