Restoration of the corneal epithelium using a novel BioinkTM

7^th International Conference on Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

October 02-04, 2017 Barcelona, Spain

Hannah Frazer, Jingjing You, Simon Cooper, Chris Hodge, Xiao Liu, Zhi Chen, Adam Taylor, Erin McColl, Gordon Wallace and Gerard Sutton

Sydney Medical School, Australia
University of New South Wales, Australia
Lions NSW Eye Bank, Australia
Vision Eye Institute, New South Wales, Australia
University of Wollongong, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Tissue Sci Eng

Abstract :

The cornea is the transparent outermost layer of the eye and plays both a tectonic and refractive role. Corneal trauma represents the most common ophthalmic emergency presentation with approximately �¾ of all cases due to corneal foreign bodies or abrasions. These injuries are estimated to cost the Australian population more than $155 million per year and if not treated effectively, can lead to infection and scarring resulting in permanent, impaired vision. We have developed a novel, xenogeneic-free corneal BioinkTM using a human platelet lysate (hPL) base that promotes the proliferation and migration of corneal epithelial cells. hPL has previously been shown to promote mesenchymal stromal cell growth. Our BioinkTM sets in a matter of minutes as a transparent, gel-like substance. We performed cell proliferation and scratch wound-healing assays using human corneal epithelial cell lines (HCE-T), and rheology tests to examine its mechanical properties. Our preliminary results have shown the BioinkTM supports multidirectional growth and stratification of HEC-T and the cells completely biodegrade the BioinkTM once forming a complete monolayer. Performing flow cytometry using Ki67, we found that BioinkTM promotes proliferation in HCE-T at a rate comparable to foetal bovine serum (FBS), which is the current standard serum used to culture HCE-T. Scratch wound assays showed that the cells in the BioinkTM and FBS both promoted full-wound closure at a comparable rate. Rheology testing demonstrated the high gel-forming potential and shear-thinning property of our BioinkTM, which demonstrates its capability for extrusion bioprinting. Our BioinkTM represents a potential alternative to existing treatments.

Biography :

Hannah Frazer is currently completing her MPhil at Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney.