3D printing technology for the cornea of the eye

2024: Product Announcement

In early July 2024, German researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, in collaboration with specialists from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and Evonik Healthcare, announced the development of a new technology for the restoration of the cornea of ​ ​ the eye. It provides for the use of laser 3D printing using biochernils.

When the cornea of the eye deforms or loses transparency, vision deteriorates greatly. According to the WHO, damage and impairment in the functioning of the cornea is the fourth most common cause of blindness. In about half of the cases, vision can be restored by corneal transplantation. However, the problem is the lack of the required number of suitable donors. In addition, there is a risk of rejection.

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A new method of laser 3D printing involves the formation of a personalized cornea. The process is based on the use of biochernils made from the patient's own stem cells and chemically modified collagen fibers.

Our laser procedure allows you to accurately place these cells to create a transparent and functional cornea with minimal risk of rejection reaction, says Professor Ute Schepers, head of research.

The proposed technology could provide a promising alternative to traditional corneal transplantation. It is also noted that the results achieved are an important step towards personalized medicine. According to scientists, in the future, doctors will be able to print a new cornea on a 3D printer directly during the surgical removal of damaged tissues of the patient, which will help to repeatedly speed up the process of creating a transplant. At the next stage, the project participants intend, together with industry partners, to begin practical implementation of their method.^[1]

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