3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY Vision restoration after corneal damage may require a transplant, which currently relies on human donor corneas, of which there is a shortage worldwide. To address this limitation, I propose to develop a partial thickness acellular corneal graft. A functional graft must have similar optical and mechanical properties to the native cornea. I will evaluate combinations of patterns and bioink materials including methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylated silk fibroin derived materials (SilMA). In particular, I will investigate the effects of 1) hydrogel and crosslinker composition, 2) fibril alignment due to nozzle diameter, and 3) resulting scaffold optical, mechanical, structural, and biological properties. In Aim 1, I will evaluate the effect of the bioprinting process parameters including bioink viscosity and nozzle diameter on the structural, mechanical, rheological, and optical scaffold properties. Sample microstructure will be evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Blends of GelMA with SilMA with photo-crosslinker will be evaluated with different ratios of bioink ingredients and varied photo-crosslinking times. In addition to rheological characterization of the bioinks, bioprinted corneal scaffolds will be evaluated by rheology as well as compression and tensile testing. Suture retention testing will be used to compare the printed scaffolds with molded materials and the natural cornea. Optical properties including optical transparency and refractive index will be evaluated using a spectrophotometer and a refractometer, respectively. In Aim 2, in vitro cytotoxicity will be evaluated with human corneal epithelial cells. Epithelial cell migration and fibrosis will also be evaluated in vitro. Since this scaffold is designed to replace only the anterior part of the corneal structure with an intact endothelium, I will test the epithelialization ability of the printed scaffolds using human corneal epithelial cells. Fibroblasts will be cultured on the bioprinted scaffolds to quantify markers of fibrosis. Successful completion of this project can serve as a basis to create partial thickness corneal grafts. This project will also provide the basis for further evaluations of different materials requiring specific optical and/or mechanical properties.
Grant Summary
3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $45K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-05-10 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $45K
2028-05-10
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures?
3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures provide?
3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures provides up to $45K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures deadline?
Applications for 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures are due 2028-05-10 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures?
To apply for 3-D Bioprinting of acellular corneal grafts for ALK procedures, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.