Development of photosensitive biopolymers for ocular tissue engineering

Pires Moedas De Almeida Barroso, Inês (2023). Development of photosensitive biopolymers for ocular tissue engineering. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

A healthy cornea is essential for vision since this transparent and avascular tissue plays a pivotal role in light transmission and focusing. Corneal diseases and injuries can lead to corneal thinning and opacification, eventually leading to blindness. This thesis aims to engineer novel polymers for corneal tissue repair, reducing the demand for corneal transplants and the usage of sutures and toxic tissue adhesives, such as cyanoacrylates. Here, two cytocompatible and biodegradable biopolymers, silk fibroin and gelatine, were chemically modified with vinyl groups to enable hydrogel photocrosslinking. Using light- mediated crosslinking, hydrogels could be rapidly polymerised in situ under wet physiological conditions at body temperature, which are essential requirements for the success of an ocular tissue adhesive. While in situ curing allows the hydrogel to fully adapt to the irregular wound shape, a rapid crosslinking reaction prevents adhesive dilution and reduces the intervention time. The overall properties of the hydrogels could be controlled by changing the polymer concentration, photoinitiating system, light characteristics and irradiation time.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):