Digital light processing-bioprinted poly-NAGA-GelMA-based hydrogel lenticule for precise refractive errors correction

• Published in: Biofabrication 2023-07, Vol.15 (3), p.35011
• Main Authors: Jia, Shuo, Yang, Jirong, Lau, Aaron Dzi-Shing, Chen, Fushun, Bu, Yashan, Cai, Erlong, Wang, Huogang, Chieng, Herng-Ee, Sun, Tianhao, Zhou, Zhiyong, Ruan, Changshun, Weijia Lu, William, Chan, Jonathan Cheuk-Hung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; corneal regeneration and replacement; Corneal Surgery, Laser - methods; digital light processing-bioprinting; Endothelial Cells; Humans; hydrogel; Hydrogels; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Quality of Life; Rabbits; Refractive Errors; refractive errors correction; visual acuity
• ISSN: 1758-5082; 1758-5090
• DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/accaab

Refractive disorder is the most prevalent cause of visual impairment worldwide. While treatment of refractive errors can bring improvement to quality of life and socio-economic benefits, there is a need for individualization, precision, convenience, and safety with the chosen method. Herein, we propose using pre-designed refractive lenticules based on poly-NAGA-GelMA (PNG) bio-inks photo-initiated by digital light processing (DLP)-bioprinting for correcting refractive errors. DLP-bioprinting allows PNG lenticules to have individualized physical dimensions with precision achievable to 10 m ( m). Material characteristics of PNG lenticules in tests included optical and biomechanical stability, biomimetical swelling and hydrophilic capability, nutritional and visual functionality, supporting its suitability as stromal implants. Cytocompatibility distinguished by morphology and function of corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells on PNG lenticules suggested firm adhesion, over 90% viability, phenotypic maintenance instead of excessive keratocyte-myofibroblast transformation. immune response analyzed by illumina RNA sequencing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicated that PNG lenticules activated type-2 immunity, facilitating tissue regeneration and suppressing inflammation. performance assessed using intrastromal keratoplasty models in New Zealand white rabbits illustrated that implantation of PNG lenticules maintained stable optical pathway, induced controlled stromal bio-integration and regeneration, avoided complications such as stromal melt, interface scarring, etc, but exerted no adverse effects on the host. Postoperative follow-up examination on intraocular pressure, corneal sensitivity, and tear production remained unaffected by surgery up to 1-month post-implantation of PNG lenticules. DLP-bioprinted PNG lenticule is a bio-safe and functionally effective stromal implants with customizable physical dimensions, providing potential therapeutic strategies in correction of refractive errors.