The film is thinner than the hair, which helps blind people regain their sight

Australian scientists develop corneal cell culture technology on transparent hydrogel membranes, which can be used to implant the eye and restore vision to the blind.

Science Alert on Aug. 16 reported that the new method was successfully tested on sheep and has tremendous potential in the field of corneal transplants. If it can be applied in humans, this technology will help change the lives of about 10 million patients around the world.

Currently, corneal implants are the most effective way to restore vision associated with corneal damage. However, donor corneal sources are very scarce. In addition, the risk of rejection and the need to use steroids to prevent rejection is also a difficulty when conducting corneal transplants. Transparent film, developed by Ozcelik's team, can minimize the risk.

The hydrogel membrane can help the blind look back. (Image: Wordpress)

"We believe that this new treatment is more effective than using donor corneas, and we hope to use our own patients' own cells to reduce the risk of rejection." " said Berkay Ozcelik, a biomedical engineer who led the study at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

The team took samples of sheep's cornea cells, cultured them on the hydrogel membrane to increase the number of cells and put them back into the eye. After re-inserting the eye, new cells will receive moisture from the eye's tear ducts to grow healthy.

The hydrogen membrane is 50 micrometers thick, thinning a strand of hair. After implantation, the receptors flow between the cornea and the inner area of the eye. The hydrogen membrane will begin to melt and disappear within two months.

" Hydrogel material minimizes inflammation, does not irritate and has the ability to regenerate tissues, so it can be used in many different situations," Ozcelik said.

"Another benefit of this technology is that we can use donor cells to create multiple corneal cells and use them for many patients, " Ozcelik said.