Novel Bio-synthetic Matrix For Ocular Surface Reconstruction

角膜可能受到感染、炎症或创伤的影响，导致疼痛和潜在的失明。羊膜（一种在子宫内包裹婴儿的膜）具有愈合的特性，可用于手术，以防止瘢痕形成并促进此类角膜疾病的愈合。然而，由于羊膜的生物化学变化，结果可能是不可预测的。此外，即使进行了适当的筛查，也存在交叉感染的潜在风险。我们建议眼科部门和材料专家（组织工程组）合作，开发一种类似于这种膜的合成材料，但这种材料是标准化的，易于获得。目前，我们能够在体外培养有利于伤口愈合过程的细胞。我们希望将联合收割机这一技术与材料科学家的专业知识相结合，以产生一种人工基质，这种基质将支持这些细胞的生长，并可用于帮助眼表面的伤口愈合。这种材料可以有益于身体其他组织的重建。

Lay DescriptionThe cornea can be affected by infection, inflammation or trauma resulting in pain and potential blindness. The amniotic membrane (a membrane that surrounds a baby in the womb) has healing qualities which can be used in surgery to prevent scarring and promote healing of such corneal diseases. However, results can be unpredictable due to bio-chemical variations of the amniotic membrane. Also there is potential risk of cross-infection even though appropriate screening has been undertaken. We propose a collaboration between the Division of Ophthalmology and materials specialist (Tissue Engineering Group), to develop a synthetic material which resembles this membrane but is standardised and readily available. Currently, we are able to grow cells which are beneficial to the wound healing process in vitro. We hope to combine this technology with the expertise of material scientist to generate an artificial matrix that will support the growth of these cells and may be used to aid wound healing of the ocular surface. This material can be of benefit in reconstruction of other tissues of the body.