3D Print Human Corneas

Question- For the first time, ‘3-D printed cornea’ was made by scientists. The bio-ink to print cornea was prepared by which of the following?
a) from Stem cells stem cells of the cornea of a healthy donor
b) from mixture of stem cells from a healthy donor cornea with alginate
c) from mixture of stem cells from a healthy donor cornea with collagen
d) from mixture of stem cells (human corneal stromal cells) from a healthy donor cornea with collagen and alginate
Answer: (d)
Related Facts:

  • On May 30th, 2018, according to the proof of concept research in a paper, titled “3D Bioprinting of a Corneal Stroma Equivalent,” in the journal Experimental Eye Research scientist have developed first 3D printed human corneas.
  • The Newcastle researchers Abigail Isaacson, a Guest Researcher from the Institute of Genetic Medicine; Dr. Stephen Swioklo; and Che J. Connon, Professor of Tissue Engineering have showed the technique to make bio ink for 3D printed human corneas.
  • The bio-ink to print cornea was prepared from mixture of stem cells (human corneal stromal cells) from a healthy donor cornea with collagen and alginate.
  • ‘Collagen’ is a group of naturally occurring proteins.
  • While alginate or alginic acid or algin is a polysaccharide, which is often found in the cells of brown algae.
  • A simple low-cost ‘3D bio-printer’ was used in research.
  • This ‘3-D printed’ cornea by scientists is yet to be tested before transplanting to patient’s eye and will take a lot of time.

Reference:
https://3dprint.com/215202/newcastle-3d-printed-corneas/
https://newatlas.com/human-corneas-3d-printed/54837/
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2018/05/first3dprintingofcorneas/
https://www.livescience.com/62694-3d-print-cornea.html