Cobioto, Corneale Biopsy Tool.

Keratitis, or an inflammation of the cornea, is a common eye disease in which a biopsy of the cornea is required to determine its underlying cause which can range from infectious causes (including viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic), mechanical (contact lens wear), non infectious (Vitamin A deficiency) (Gorski et al., 2015). Currently, no standardized tool is available for taking such biopsy and corneal scrapings are performed with a scalpel or wide bore needle, very often with inconclusive results as too little material is removed for fear of penetration. Consequently, biopsies are not performed as often and a broad-spectrum antibiotic is prescribed, assuming bacterial keratitis. The delay in providing optimal treatment can result in untoward sequelae such as corneal scarring and opacification requiring corneal transplantation. Collaborative research between the department of ophthalmology (UZA) Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (Ophthalmology/Vaxinfectio – UA/UZA) and Product Development (UA) together with the industrial partner D.O.R.C. will lead to the development of a standardized tool for taking a biopsy of the cornea where the safety of the patient is guaranteed thereby addressing the aforementioned shortcomings.

Keywords:CORNEA, MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION

Disciplines:Biological system engineering, Biomaterials engineering, Biomechanical engineering, Medical biotechnology, Other (bio)medical engineering, Ophthalmology and optometry

Project type:Collaboration project