Three-dimensional (3D) printing also known as additive manufacturing is a technique that uses 3D printing to create organs, tissues, and biological components that mimic natural tissue architecture. Major advancements are being driven by this technique in a variety of fields, including engineering, manufacturing, the arts, education, and medicine. Recently, National Eye Institute(NIE) scientists have created eye tissue using patient stem cells and 3D bioprinting to better understand the mechanics underlying blinding illnesses. The method makes it possible to research degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration(AMD) and other retinal illnesses using a theoretically limitless supply of patient-derived tissue.
Retina
Printed tissue and native tissue turned out similar
According to Dr. Bharti who leads the Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research section of the NIE, AMD begins in the outer blood-retina barrier. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the blood vessel-rich choriocapillaris make up the outer blood-retina barrier. They are separated from one another by Bruch’s membrane. The flow of nutrients and waste products between the choriocapillaris and the RPE is controlled by Bruch’s membrane. In AMD, lipoprotein deposits known as drusen which exist outside of the Bruch’s membrane obstruct the membrane’s ability to do its job. RPE degradation over time causes photoreceptor deterioration and visual loss.
They made a hydrogel out of three different kinds of immature choroidal cells. These are essential capillary components; and fibroblasts, which provide tissues with structure. The researchers then printed the gel onto a degradable scaffold. The cells developed into a dense capillary network in a few days. On the ninth day, the researchers implanted cells from the retinal pigment epithelium on the other side of the scaffold. On day 42, the printed tissue was fully developed. Genetic and functional testing, as well as tissue investigations, revealed that the printed tissue exhibited characteristics similar to those of the original outer blood-retina barrier. When stress was applied, printed tissue displayed signs of early AMD, including drusen deposits beneath the RPE, and progressed to late dry-stage AMD, where tissue breakdown was seen. In addition, low oxygen levels caused a wet AMD-like look with choroidal vascular hyperproliferation that moved into the sub-RPE zone. Anti-VEGF medications, used to treat AMD, stopped this vascular migration and overgrowth and improved tissue morphology.
Clinical significance
These efforts have produced extremely useful retina tissue models for ocular degenerative disorders like AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Such tissue models have a wide range of possible translational applications, including therapeutic uses.
Conclusion
One of your most crucial senses is vision. Protecting the eyes lowers the risk of blindness and vision loss while also keeping a lookout for any emerging eye conditions like those mentioned above. The 3D bioprinting of eye tissue has revolutionized medicine making it easy to study and profer solutions to these eye conditions.
