University of Pennsylvania researchers developed eye-on-a-chip that helped them to understand how the eye works as well as test drug to cure dry eye disease (DED)

Briefing

University of Pennsylvania researchers developed eye-on-a-chip that helped them to understand how the eye works as well as test drug to cure dry eye disease (DED)

August 13, 2019

Briefing
  • Eye-on-a-chip – University of Pennsylvania researchers made eye-on-a-chip with blinking eyelid that can replicate a healthy eye and one with dry eye disease (DED)
  • 3D Printed Scaffold – Researchers 3D printed scaffold where they grew human eye cells, adding gelatin that acts as the eyelid and artificial tear duct that secretes fluid over eye
  • Drug Testing – Tested drug based on protein called lubricin on eye model and found drug was able to reduce friction between eyelids, suppressing inflammation of ocular surface
  • Award-Winning – Project won 2018 Lush Prize award for potential to test drugs, chemicals and cosmetics for eyes without using animals
  • Eye Discovery – Observed that mechanical forces in blinking led to greater differentiation of corneal cells, making them more specialized and efficient in their function
  • Other Uses – Include testing of contact lenses and eye surgeries in future

Accelerator
3D Printing, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

Sector
Healthcare/Health Sciences

Function
Research and Development

Organization
University of Pennsylvania

Source

Original Publication Date
August 5, 2019

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