3D-printed two-layer cornea graft
3D bioprinting of a bilayered, tissue engineered cornea
This project creates a 3D-printed, two-layer cornea designed to restore sight for people with corneal blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249958 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced 3D bioprinting and specialized "bioinks" to make a cornea with two distinct layers that mimic the natural tissue. One layer will contain corneal stromal stem cells to promote healing and reduce scarring, while the other layer will provide strength and optical clarity. The team will optimize material formulations and printing settings so the graft stays transparent and resists shrinking. Tests will be done in the lab and in animal models before any future work in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with corneal blindness or severe corneal scarring who need a transplant and cannot access donor corneas would be the eventual candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision loss is due to retinal disease or optic nerve damage would not benefit from a corneal graft.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a donor-free corneal transplant option to restore vision for many patients who lack access to human donor tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Previous engineered corneas and cell-seeded grafts have shown promise in lab and animal tests, but fully transparent, long-lasting human-ready replacements remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heilshorn, Sarah C — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Heilshorn, Sarah C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.