The
technology invented by researchers at the University of Reading produces a
realistic occular surface from human stem cells analogous to a human
cornea.
Our
technology uses a plastically-compacted collagen gel as a substrate for the
growth of corneal cells. Cells grown on such a substrate can be cultured to
produce an artificial ocular surface which can be used in corneal toxicity
testing or for transplantation.
Technical
Background
Our
technology is the only corneal construct that supports a normal corneal
epithelial phenotype and structure . This is achieved by using a defined
fibrillar collagen structure that mimics the corneal stroma and can maintain
encapsulated keratocytes in a normal quiescent state. Furthermore, across its
surface the proportion of undifferentiated to differential corneal epithelial
cells can be precisely controlled by virtue of the substrates tractable
mechanical properties. This means that for the first time a transplant ready
corneal construct can be produced that has as similar mechanical properties to
the normal cornea, contains quiescent keratocytes and the proportion of
undifferentiated epithelial cells can be precisely
regulated.
Benefits of
technology
Corneal stem
cells transplantation has been used therapeutically for some years and
represents one of the most mature uses of stem cells. This technology produces
stratified and functional epitheliums from human stem cells and is more
representative of the quiescent human cornea.
The
technology produces results more representative of the human response as it is
based on human stem cells to produce a functional corneal epithelium, not animal
tissue.
The
technology also provides a viable alternative to vivisection for eye sensitivity
testing.
Applications
o Ophthalmic
use
o Medical
implants
o Cosmetic
industry
o
Pharmaceuticals industry
Availability:
We are
seeking collaborative opportunities. The technology is available for licensing
and development opportunities.
IP
Status:
An
international patent application (WO2010/133853) has been filed for this
technology.
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