Alison L Donovan

US Patent:

20100120013, May 13, 2010

Filed:

Nov 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/266906

Inventors:

Daniel R. Cerven - Quakertown PA, US
Michelle A. Piehl - Emmaus PA, US
Albert C. Gilotti - Bethlehem PA, US
Alison L. Donovan - Quakertown PA, US
George L. DeGeorge - Allentown PA, US
Micheal R. Carathers - Allentown PA, US

Assignee:

MB RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC. - Spinnerstown PA

International Classification:

A01N 1/02
C12Q 1/02

US Classification:

435 11, 435 29

Abstract:

A method for long-term multi-species cornea culture and preservation is provided. Excised mammalian corneas are preserved with structural integrity by filling the endothelial cavity with a plug material. Plugged corneas are sterile-cultured for more than 21 days via an air-interface culture where nutrients from a culture media are supplied to corneal tissue primarily through the plug. Plugged corneas are incubated in culture dishes with a customized media continuously in contact with the ocular sclera and corneal plug, and periodically bathing the corneal surface epithelia. An animal-alternative toxicology assay is also provided using excised porcine corneas capable of assessing ocular injury reversibility within 21 days. Further provided is a method of mammalian corneal preservation for excised human corneas extending their storage life to three to four weeks.