New Innovation in Pet Eye Treatment: 3D Artificial Cornea from Stem Cells

The Problem of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Corneal ulcers are a common problem in dogs that often result from injuries or allergies. Left untreated, they can lead to blindness. Currently, the standard treatment method involves grafts made from replacement tissue derived from porcine bladder or canine placentas, which are rare and relatively expensive. Moreover, there is the possibility of causing post-surgery reactions and inflammation.

The Three-Dimensional Artificial Cornea Solution

A research team at the Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC) within the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University has developed a potential solution to this problem: a three-dimensional artificial cornea made from stem cells. This innovation will enable dogs to have perfect vision again and avoid costly and rare grafts.

Features of the 3D Artificial Cornea

The 3D artificial cornea has several remarkable features:

It appears very similar to the real corneal surface.
It derives entirely from all-natural substances.
They can be trimmed during the transplantation process.
Wounds heal faster.

How is the Innovation Developed?

The stem cells used in developing the 3D artificial cornea are those harvested from the cornea of the dog being treated or collected from recently deceased corpses. The structure for cells to adhere to is made from silk fibroin mixed with gelatin. Stem cells create their network of cells that form three-dimensional pieces, which can be trimmed to fit the wound where the cornea is missing. Living stem cells help in network formation, causing cell adhesion, and help strengthen and build collagen for wound healing. Currently, the innovation is still in the laboratory testing stage to study whether the 3D artificial cornea can be used as a cornea replacement and to determine how it interacts with the animal’s body.

Conclusion

The 3D artificial cornea from stem cells innovation could be a game-changer in veterinary science. As a result of the effort and intention to solve eye problems for dogs, the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s research team recognizes the expertise in tissue engineering to help make adhesive materials for growing stem cells. The research produced satisfactory results and is expected to be applied to dogs in the next few years. Moreover, the research team plans to apply the knowledge to cats as well. With the unique features of the 3D artificial cornea, pet owners would no longer need to worry about costly grafts picked from rare tissues.

Originally Post From https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/general/40039606

“Chula Researchers Reveal Remarkable Advance in Canine Corneal Treatment With 3D Artificial Cornea”