Technology – NanoCurv Impressions

NanoCurv Artificial Cornea Device

Problem with Donor Tissue Corneal Transplant

Over the past ten years, endothelial keratoplasty has been the primary method in treating corneal endothelial diseases. At the time, the only surgical treatment was penetrating keratoplasty (PK). In this procedure, a trephine is used to cut the patient’s damaged cornea, followed by implantation of donor corneal graft. One issue is that many countries do not have access to a healthy supply of donor tissue. Furthermore, ensuring tissue viability requires a highly expensive set of packaging and handling protocols. Lastly, the main complication with this transplantation includes cornea graft rejection and eye infections. Rejection occurs when your body’s immune system detects a foreign body and attacks/destroys the foreign cells.

Global Donor Shortage

1 cornea donor tissue is available per 70 people on the waiting list. There are 12.7 million patients around the world on the wait list for donor tissues.

Complex Facilities

Expensive and strict protocols.

Compatibility Issues

Rejection rate of 2.3 – 68%.

Solution to the Problem

NanoCurv Impressions has developed a state of the art artificial cornea device that’s easily accessible, inexpensive and highly compatible. Our device is made from a versatile synthetic polymer called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Compared to living cells, this material is safe, easy to handle and does not require strict transportation protocols. PMMA is the material of choice for many implantable medical devices thus ensuring long-term bio-compatibility. The addition of our nano-patterns provides antimicrobial properties which should drastically reduce device rejection rate.

Taking A Closer Look

Nano-Grooves

Nano-grooves are the lined patterns located on the outer ring of the cornea device. This structure promotes cell growth by allowing tissue to attach and align with the surface of the device. Both adhesion and alignment ensure that our device will not be rejected by the patient.

[Dickson, Mary, et al.]

Nano-Pillars

The nano-pillars behave like spikes and rupture bacteria upon impact. This prevents bio-film and cells from covering the top surface of our device. The pattern are inspired by cicada wing’s nano-pillars. We have shown that the physical topography creates antibacterial surfaces.

[Dickson, Mary, et al.]

Play Video

[“Cicada Wings Shred Bacteria to Pieces.” YouTube, NatureNewsteam, 4 Mar. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIwj_ThMf4Q.]