Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Scientists Successfully Regrow Retina Cells to Combat Leading Cause of Blindness

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology by successfully regrowing retina cells to address macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. This revolutionary treatment utilizes synthetic, tissue-like materials on which the human cells can be regenerated, surpassing the limitations of previous methods. Macular degeneration, characterized by the loss of cells in the retina, has been a growing concern worldwide, contributing to the rising prevalence of blindness. While humans lack the inherent ability to regrow retinal pigment cells, researchers have now found a way to accomplish this feat in laboratory settings using pluripotent stem cells. A team of biomedical scientists at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, led by Biola Egbowon, developed 3D scaffolds composed of polymer nanofibers coated with an anti-inflammatory steroid. These scaffolds were created using an innovative technique called "electrospinning," where polyacrylonitrile and Jeffamine polymers were transformed into solid structures resembling tiny fibers, capable of attracting water and maintaining mechanical strength. The unique combination of materials and the electrospinning process allowed the retinal pigment cells to remain viable for an impressive 150 days outside the human body, while exhibiting critical biomarkers necessary for the maintenance of retinal physiological characteristics. Although this breakthrough holds immense promise for regenerative medicine, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to ensure biocompatibility with human tissue, particularly in terms of cell orientation and blood supply.

First synthetic retina developed by researcher student for the visually impaired

In a first, a soft tissue synthetic retina has been developed by a researcher at Oxford University. Till now, only hard and rigid materials were used in artificial retinal research. This research has been conducted by 24-year-old student researcher  Vanessa Restrepo-Schild at Oxford University. The researcher  has made use of synthetic tissues, biologically  developed in a laboratory environment. The study is expected to transform the outlook of bionic implant industry as well as development of less invasive medical technologies.  The new synthetic  retina closely resembles the human body tissues and helps in  treating degenerative eye diseases  like retinitis pigmentosa. Under the leadership of Restrepo-Schild,  the team  developed a new synthetic, double layered retina. It  closely mimics the natural human retinal process. The synthetic retina replica has soft water droplets called hydrogels in it. It also  has biological cell membrane proteins. The retina is designed like a camera. Its cells act like pixels. These detect and react to light for creating a grey scale image. Restrepo-Schild  informed that, “The human eye is incredibly sensitive, which is why foreign bodies like metal retinal implants can be so damaging, leading to inflammation and/or scaring. But a biological synthetic implant is soft and water based, so much more friendly to the eye environment,” as reported by the media. Restrepo-Schild has applied for a patent for the new technology.  Her team is looking  ahead for the research to expand to include animal testing. Later, a series of clinical trials in humans will be on cards.