In a pilot study, researchers and entrepreneurs have developed an implant made from pig skin collagen protein that resembles the human cornea. The results of the study, conducted jointly by researchers from Linköping University (LiU) and LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, were published in the journal Nature Biotechnology released.
New cornea restores vision
According to the scientists, the implant restored vision in 20 people with diseased corneas, most of whom were blind before the implantation. “The results show that it is possible to develop a biomaterial that meets all the criteria for use as a human implant that can be mass-produced and stored for up to two years, reaching even more people with vision problems,” he said Neil Lagali, a professor in the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at LiU, involved in the study in a press release. “By doing so, we circumvent the problem of the lack of donated corneal tissue and access to other treatments for eye diseases.”
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and its main function is to protect the eye from foreign objects and bacteria. This cornea consists mainly of the protein collagen, which gives it its transparency. To create an artificial cornea, the researchers used collagen molecules from pig skin. These collagen molecules are highly purified and manufactured under strict conditions for human use. The pork skin used is easily accessible as a by-product of the food industry, which is considered to be economically advantageous.
When making the implant, the researchers stabilized the loose collagen molecules, resulting in a strong and transparent material that can withstand handling and implantation in the eye. While donated corneas must be used within two weeks, bioengineered corneas can be stored for up to two years before use.
Minimally invasive method already tested in practice
In addition, the researchers have also developed a new, minimally invasive method to treat keratoconus, a disease in which the cornea thins and loses its shape. This new method uses a bioengineered collagen matrix to support and reshape the callus. The new surgical method, which does not require sutures, was first tested on pigs and then applied to humans by Indian and Iranian surgeons. It has proven to be easier and potentially safer than a conventional corneal transplant. Iran and India in particular are two countries where many people suffer from corneal blindness and poor eyesight, but where there is a significant shortage of donated corneas and treatment options.
The pilot clinical study involved twenty people who were either blind or on the verge of losing their sight due to advanced keratoconus and were implanted with the biomaterial. According to the researchers, the operations went without complications; the tissue around the implant healed well and no adverse effects were noted at follow-up.
The promising results could be a sign of hope for those suffering from corneal blindness and low vision. A bioengineered implant would offer a new alternative to transplanting donated human corneas, which are scarce in countries where the need is greatest.