Dual-chamber vial
A Revolutionary Platform to Transform Corneal Graft Preservation
Corneal transplants are the most common transplantation procedures in medicine, and it is well-established that a successful corneal transplant outcome depends primarily on the presence of a viable corneal endothelium. Corneal endothelial cells (ECs) regulate stromal hydration by using Na+/K+-ATPase pumps to regulate water balance. Without the pump mechanism, bare stroma swells several times its thickness, disrupting stromal fibers, increasing light scatter, and decreasing corneal transparency.
Without the pump mechanism, bare stroma swells several times its thickness, disrupting stromal fibers, increasing light scatter, and decreasing corneal transparency. Corneal endothelium is incapable of regeneration, thus making preservation of the endothelium during tissue storage and transplantation critical for optimizing surgical outcomes. Therefore, the main objectives of a corneal storage system are to maintain EC viability and to preserve corneal structure.
According to Nishimura et al., corneal grafts with late endothelial failure, which is the primary cause of graft failure after five postoperative years, fail from low initial ECD rather than an increased rate of chronic postoperative cell loss. Therefore, preserving endothelial viability and transplanting less edematous corneal grafts should have protective effects on the endothelium after transplantation.
TissueCor has developed a novel dual-chamber corneal storage vial (DCV) comprising two compartments isolated by the actual corneal graft. Each compartment holds 10 mL of media. Specifically, one compartment contains preservation media that is in contact with the endothelium while the other compartment is in contact with the epithelium. The DCV can be utilized as a platform for discovery and innovation, including potential applications in media customization.
Applications:
Corneal preservation in Optisol-GS
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Studies performed by investigators at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have shown that the central corneal thickness of corneal grafts stored in the DCV in Optisol-GS have lower values at each time point (Day 1 (p = 0.078), Week 1 (p = 0.025), Week 2 (p = 0.089)) compared to the standard corneal viewing chamber, leading to an overall decreased of corneal swelling.
Corneal preservation with antifungals
Our research team at TissueCor is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of corneal tissue preservation and transplantation by optimizing dual-chamber vials. We are excited to share our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficacy of antifungal treatments while maintaining the integrity of the corneal endothelium. We are conducting extensive studies to determine the most effective antifungal doses that can be safely applied to the corneal epithelial chamber. Our goal is to provide a solution that significantly reduces the risk of fungal infections in stored corneal tissue while preserving the quality and safety of the corneal endothelium.
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By conducting rigorous research and staying dedicated to innovation, we aim to enhance the success rates and outcomes of corneal transplantation surgeries, ultimately improving the lives of patients with corneal diseases. Stay tuned for updates on our progress as we work tirelessly to advance corneal disease care
Corneal bioreactor
Our latest breakthrough involves adapting the dual-chamber vial concept to store corneal tissue within a bioreactor environment. This innovative approach prevents corneal swelling and facilitates tissue regeneration while enabling continuous microbial monitoring throughout the preservation process. To adapt the dual-chamber vial for bioreactor storage, we have engineered a specialized bioreactor system designed to simulate the physiological conditions of the eye, including intraocular pressure, temperature, and nutrient supply, creating an environment that closely mimics the natural eye.
1. Prevention of corneal swelling: The essential advantage of our bioreactor system is its ability to maintain consistent intraocular pressure, which effectively prevents corneal swelling during preservation. By carefully controlling the pressure within the chamber, we ensure that the corneal tissue retains its natural shape, thickness, and optical properties.
2. Tissue Regeneration: Besides preventing swelling, our bioreactor system supports tissue regeneration during storage. Nutrient-rich culture media are continuously supplied to the corneal tissue, fostering the growth and maintenance of corneal cells. This regeneration process helps preserve the tissue and enhances its overall quality, making it a more viable candidate for transplantation.
3. Continuous Microbial Monitoring: Ensuring the sterility and safety of the preserved tissue is of utmost importance. Our bioreactor system incorporates sample ports for continuous microbial monitoring.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to push the boundaries of corneal disease care.
References:
- Patents: US 20210244020A1, EP 3849307A1, CA 3112767C - Joana Karanxha, Angela Gomez-Bedoya, Katrina N. Llanes, Patrice Jan Persad, Stephen D. Roper, William Buras, Elizabeth Fout, Alfonso L. Sabater; A Novel Dual-Chamber Vial for Corneal Preservation. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2021;62(8):810 monitoring.