Long-lasting gel for replacing the vitreous in the eye
Official title: Development of a Biopolymer Hydrogel as a Long-Term Vitreous Substitute
Funded at California State Univ-Dominguez Hills · NIH-11424032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new biopolymer gel is being developed to act as a safe, long-term substitute for the eye’s natural vitreous, with the goal of helping people who need vitrectomy maintain retina health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ-Dominguez Hills NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carson, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $636,694 |
| NIH project number | 1R16EY039197-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals undergoing or considering vitrectomy who are at risk of complications from current vitreous substitutes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require vitrectomy or who cannot tolerate experimental materials may not benefit.
What this research studies
If successful, this project will create a natural-like hydrogel that can stay in the eye after vitrectomy to keep the retina in place. The team will make hydrogels from natural polymers, test how they feel and behave like the real vitreous, and check their stability in conditions similar to the eye. They will also test biocompatibility with eye cells in the lab and then evaluate toxicity and long-term stability in an animal model for several months. The work aims to reduce complications related to current substitutes and improve long-term vision outcomes for patients with retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the hydrogel works well, patients could experience fewer complications after vitrectomy and better, longer-lasting vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous substitutes have faced complications; this project explores a potentially safer, longer-lasting alternative.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ-Dominguez Hills
Carson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laradji, Amine Mohamed — California State Univ-Dominguez Hills
- Study coordinator: Laradji, Amine Mohamed
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.