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Researcher

Carina Koppen

  • Research Expertise:The Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS) focuses on translational research of the anterior segment of the eye using techniques of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. We conduct projects from bench to bed side by a unique combination of clinicians and basic researchers. Our focus is on the ocular surface with research lines on regeneration of the epithelium, stroma and endothelium of the cornea and conjunctiva. The approach is multidisciplinary thanks to local, national and international network connections. Our expertise includes the development and optimization of primary cell isolation and cell culture protocols without using animal products, designing biological and synthetic scaffolds, and testing their biocompatibility. Through our partnerships, we have the opportunity to work with 3D printing, micro-contact printing and with different types of hydrogels. Specifically, we successfully completed a phase I / II study in which limbal corneal epithelial stem cells were expanded ex vivo on an amniotic membrane for transplantation. We are further building on the acquired expertise: we are specifically focused on the development of a conjunctival substitute and smart scaffolds for endothelial transplantation. The latest project concerns cornea-on-chip in which a three-dimensional dynamic tissue environment is created to better model human physiology in a lab environment. The Visual Optics Lab Antwerp (VOLANTIS) studies the optical aspects of the human eye, with special attention to normal and pathological refractive development. To this end, we develop statistical and biomechanical models that innovatively describe normal eye growth, as well as the inter-individual differences that exist in the general population to better understand myopia and other refractive disorders. The unique collaboration between clinicians, optometrists, mathematicians, and physicists has already led to fundamental advances in the early detection of keratoconus and predicting the future course of the disease, allowing individualized treatment to be offered to the patient. Another line of research focuses on how glare from bright lights can affect daily functioning in tasks such as driving a vehicle safely. Finally, research is also being carried out on pediatric cataracts to gain more pathophysiological insight into this developmental disorder and the results of the surgical treatment.
  • Keywords:OPTICAL EYE MODELLING, CORNEAL REGENERATION, Medicine
  • Disciplines:Biomechanics, Biophysics, Neurosciences, Ophthalmology and optometry, Regenerative medicine
  • Research techniques:Argos: cel culture, immunohisto-/cytochemistry, PCR and high throughput live cell imaging. Volantis: prospective and retrospective data collection in the clinic, statistical models and analysis, ray tracing, finite element modeling, machine learning.
  • Users of research expertise:Clinicians and researchers involved in ophthalmology, at home and abroad. Specifically for Argos: researchers interested in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.