Development of a novel bioengineered tissue construct for repairing the eye. [ 2009 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Damien Harkin (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Dietmar Hutmacher ,  Prof Ivan Schwab ,  Prof Traian Chirila

Brief description Corneal diseases are often treated using donor tissue transplants. Nevertheless, donor tissue is unsuitable for treating the peripheral or limbal margin of the cornea. We have therefore developed a way to transplant sheets of limbal tissue (epithelium) grown in the laboratory from a patient's own cells, but this tissue lacks a foundation of connective tissue that we believe is essential for sustained healing. Thus, our aim is to develop a novel limbal transplant which contains both layers.

Funding Amount $AUD 335,817.45

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant