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Scientists at the University of Newcastle have developed a biological system that allows cells to form the desired shape by molding the surrounding material, initially creating a cornea that curves automatically.
The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eyeball.
As part of the research, a flat circle of gel containing corneal stromal cells (stem cells) was activated with serum so that the edges of the gel contract at a speed different from that of the center. a curved cornea shaped like a bowl.
The research is published in Advanced functional materials and was led by Professor Che Connon, professor of tissue engineering at the University of Newcastle. "There is currently a shortage of donated corneas that has worsened in recent years because they can not be used by people who have had laser surgery, so we need to explore other options. , such as these corneas with automatic curve.
"The cells are activated to form a complex 3D structure, but as this requires time, the fourth dimension of this equation, we have called them 4D structures."
4D training is achieved through the innovative use of cells as biological actuators, components that move parts. In this case, the cells themselves force the surrounding tissue to move in a predetermined manner over time.
The gel, comprising collagen and encapsulated corneal cells, was arranged in two concentric circles. The formation of the curved shape that has a cup-like structure has been achieved by adding molecules called amphiphilic peptides to one or other of the circles.
In one cycle, the active cells pulled the internal structure of the gel (strong contraction), in the other, they drew these amphiphilic peptide molecules (weak contraction). This difference in contraction between the two concentric rings caused the curvature of the gel. This is because the cells have preferred to bind to the amphiphilic molecules of the peptide rather than to the internal structure of the gels.
Professor Connon added, "Because the whole process has been orchestrated by the cells themselves, we can think of them as bio-machines remodeling these structures from within.
"The technology and understanding that we have developed has tremendous potential because these corneas show that cell actuators can control the shape of artificial tissue, which may lead us to imagine a future where such an approach can be combined with surgical intervention at the site. keyhole allowing a surgeon to: implant the tissue in a form that then develops into a more complex and functional form in the body, dictated by the behavior of the cells themselves. "
Dr. Martina Miotto, lead author of the paper, explained: "This is an innovative example of the strict relationship between form and function, as research has also shown that the biomechanical and biofunctional properties of these 4D structures reproduce those of the native tissue. with undifferentiated limbal corneal epithelial stem cells located in the softer limb and the differentiated epithelium covering the more rigid center of the anterior cornea. "
The team intends to advance the work over the next few years to refine the technique as a potential method for producing corneas for human transplantation.
The accelerated video showing this amazing process: https://youtu.be/Gt8Kdd0pcdg
Video with a preview of the search: https://youtu.be/PQ809zR1h0o
Source of the story:
Material provided by University of Newcastle. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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