BIOADHESIVES FOR INTRAOCULAR USE

Authors:
  • EMEyal Margalit
    Eyal Margalit
  • GFGildo Y Fujii
    Gildo Y Fujii
  • JLJames C Lai
    James C Lai
  • PGPuneet Gupta
    Puneet Gupta
  • SCShih-Jen Chen
    Shih-Jen Chen
  • JSJeng-Shyong Shyu
    Jeng-Shyong Shyu
  • DPDuke V Piyathaisere
    Duke V Piyathaisere
  • EDEUGENE DeJUAN
    EUGENE DeJUAN
  • MHMark S Humayun
    Mark S Humayun
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Abstract
A safe, effective adhesive could be useful in the management of retinal holes or tears and selected complicated retinal detachments, as well as for attaching a small electronic device (retinal prosthesis) to the retina. In this study, we examined nine commercially available compounds for their suitability as intraocular adhesives. The following materials were studied: commercial fibrin sealant, autologous fibrin. Cell-Tak, three photocurable glues, and three different polyethylene glycol hydro- gels. An electronic strain gauge measured the adherence forces between different glues and the retina. The stability of hydrogels at body temperature and the impermeability of the hydrogel adhesive to dextran blue were examined. Long-term biocompatibility testing of the most promising glues in terms of adhesive force, consistency, and short-term safety (hydrogels) were done in rabbits. Funduscopy, electroretinogram, and histology of the retina were performed. Hydrogels had 2 to 39 times more adhesive force (measured in mN) than the other glues tested. They liquefied at body temperature after 3 days to a few months. Hydrogels were impermeable to dextran blue. One type of hydrogel proved to be nontoxic to the retina. Hydrogels proved to be superior for intraocular use in terms of consis-tency, adhesiveness, stability, impermeability, and safety.
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