AMD in a dish (AID)

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The main goal of this project is to establish a research group to develop in-vitro AMD models, which combine different structures in order to mimic the real-life situation as close as possible. This includes a reproducible neuroretina/RPE/choroid culture, combining existing culture methods, but even more the development of new, combinable co-culture system made of different cell types which can optimized for respective research questions. A likely possibility would be a component system, in which particular cell types (e.g. RPE, endothelial cells, neuronal cells, microglia) would be independently cultured in an optimized ring system which can be combined using chambers. These chambers could be perfused by a respective supplying system, optimized for each cell culture. These new models systems also call for new development concerning carrier material, including artificial Bruch’s membranes. Biomaterial research has recently developed new techniques for 3D co-culture including biochemical and mechanical control; these concept shall be implemented here. For example, porous hydrogels shall be structurally, mechanically and biochemically designed to act as carrier tissue for RPE, choroid and neuro-retinal cells. These materials shall be combined in different layers to establish a co-culture, resembling the in vivo situation. These newly developed systems could also be expended for cells harvested from patient material (e.g. induced pluripotent stem cells). The developed model systems will be designed for reproducibility and easy handling, to enable many groups to use them in the future. Another goal of this project is to write a review article on in-vitro models in retinal research.