Creating a 3D-printed artificial cornea to restore vision
3D bioprinting of a bilayered, tissue engineered cornea
This study is working on a new 3D-printed artificial cornea to help people with corneal blindness see better, offering a solution that doesn't depend on donor tissue and can be made whenever it's needed.
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-11001162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a 3D-printed, bilayered artificial cornea to address corneal blindness, which affects millions globally. By utilizing advanced bioprinting techniques, the team aims to create a cornea that mimics the natural structure and function of human tissue, incorporating specialized biomaterials and stem cells to enhance healing and transparency. The project seeks to overcome the limitations of current corneal transplants, which rely on scarce donor tissue, by providing a viable alternative that can be produced on demand. Patients may benefit from improved access to sight-restoring treatments without the need for donor tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with corneal blindness who are unable to receive traditional corneal transplants due to donor tissue shortages.
Not a fit: Patients with corneal blindness who are not suitable candidates for any form of corneal transplantation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, accessible treatment option for patients suffering from corneal blindness.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering is relatively novel, there have been promising advancements in similar fields, indicating potential for success.
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.