Photoactivated Regenerative Collagen Sealant for Rapid Vision Restoration After Deep Corneal Injuries
Abstract
This research proposal describes the development of a transparent gel containing a matrix that can seal a deeply wounded cornea or perforated cornea, restore its smooth and transparent surface, and allow it to regenerate. Currently, crazy glue (cyanoacrylate) is used by eye care specialists to temporarily stabilize deeply injured corneas before a transplant surgery is needed. Our research has shown that a matrix made from collagen type I that is photoactivated and crosslinked using riboflavin and ultra-violet (UV) light can stabilize and heal corneal wounds while potentially improving vision and staving off the need for a corneal transplant in the future. Collagen, riboflavin, and UV light are all FDA-approved already for corneal surgery and other therapeutic applications. This proposal puts forth a clearly defined roadmap to study, research, and develop a novel treatment for Service Members suffering from severe injuries and poorly healing ulcers of the cornea. We plan to develop a novel and much-needed point-of-care wound care therapy for the eye that will (1) accelerate healing and promote a faster return to a Service Member s normal level of functioning, (2) prevent the development of problems such as scarring and loss of vision that can follow such injuries if not adequately treated, and (3) potentially avoid the need for a corneal transplant. We are planning to systematically evaluate the formulations of this matrix therapy that optimize corneal healing. We plan to systematically understand how to use riboflavin and UV light to photocrosslink collagen and to create an easy-to-use, light-activated gel formulation for delivery to the eye. We project three years to finish our study and development of this technology. At the end of this period, we anticipate having a technology ready to advance into further preclinical as well as early clinical testing to promote healing in Service Members with combat-related corneal injuries. The results from this research will lay the groundwork for the technology to be used in the treatment of wounds outside of the eye as well, such as injuries, burns, and non-healing ulcers of the skin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210538
Entities
People
- David Myung
Organizations
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
- United States Army