Scientists print first 3D Human Corneas

Scientists at Newcastle University have printed the first 3D human corneas.
Stem Cells were used from a healthy donated cornea was mixed with alginate and collagen to create a solution that could be printed. This was successfully used to form the shape of a human cornea. Taking less than 10 minutes to print, this technique could be used to provide an unlimited supply of corneas to the 10 million people worldwide requiring surgery to prevent corneal blindness.
Che Chennon, Newcastle University’s Professor of Tissue Engineering and lead on the project commented, “We have shown that it’s feasible to print corneas using coordinates taken from a patient eye. Our 3D printed corneas will now have to undergo further testing, and it will be several years before we could be in the position where we are able to use them for transplants, but this approach has potential to combat the world-wide shortage. “