Abstract
This study aims to advance the cornea-on-chip (CoC), a microfluidic device designed as a microscopy slide, featuring eight corneal constructs to mimic human corneal barriers and physiology. The objective is to validate this prototype via a comprehensive approach as an in vitro model with pre-clinical value of the human cornea, focusing on drug permeability and corneal toxicity testing. By collaborating with Ghent University's Centre for Microsystems Technology, we combine our respective expertise's in corneal tissue engineering and microfluidics with my background in GMP manufacturing to assess the CoC's performance. The CoC platform's efficacy as a drug absorption model is confirmed by assessing corneal permeation and small molecule permeability. Anticipating potential limitations in mimicking the physiology of the cornea in vivo, we will explore biocompatible materials to improve cell behavior and drug permeation, laying the foundation for the model's second and improved version. Furthermore, through multi-omics analysis, I will investigate the interactions between cells and biomaterials to gain valuable insights. Finally, as a proof of concept regarding the application of the model, the cornea-on-chip is used to identify strategies to bypass the corneal barrier via the use of penetration enhancers, to boost drug delivery effectiveness.
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