Characterization of an anterior segment organ culture model for open globe injuries

Sci Rep. 2021 Apr 20;11(1):8546. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87910-8.

Abstract

Open-globe injuries have poor visual outcomes and have increased in frequency. The current standard of care is inadequate, and a therapeutic is needed to stabilize the injury until an ophthalmic specialist is reached. Unfortunately, current models or test platforms for open-globe injuries are insufficient. Here, we develop and characterize an open-globe injury model using an anterior segment organ-culture platform that allows therapeutic assessment for up to 72 h post-injury. Anterior segments maintained in organ culture were kept at physiological intraocular pressure throughout, and puncture injuries were created using a novel pneumatic-powered system. This system can create high-speed, military-relevant injuries up to 4.5 mm in diameter through the cornea. From intraocular pressure readings, we confirmed a loss of pressure across the 72 h after open-globe injury. Proof-of-concept studies with a Dermabond tissue adhesive were performed to show how this model system could track therapeutic performance for 72 h. Overall, the organ-culture platform was found to be a suitable next step towards modeling open-globe injuries and assessing wound closure over the critical 72 h post-injury. With improved models such as this, novel biomaterial therapeutics development can be accelerated, improving care, and, thus, improving the prognosis for the patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyanoacrylates / pharmacology*
  • Eye / drug effects
  • Eye / pathology*
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / pathology
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / therapy*
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Organ Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Swine
  • Tissue Adhesives / pharmacology
  • Visual Acuity / physiology*

Substances

  • Cyanoacrylates
  • Tissue Adhesives
  • octyl 2-cyanoacrylate