Biomimetic Hydrogel for Corneal Tissue Regeneration

February 16, 2021

Mr. Shibu Chameettachal’s interview with Bio Patrika hosting “Vigyan Patrika”, a series of author interviews. Shibu began his career as a microbiologist and chose tissue engineering as his research domain. He gained research experience at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi before joining his PhD. He is currently a PhD scholar at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad.

His research interests include 3D bioprinting of tissue and organ development, and he is currently working on corneal regeneration. Shibu is a recipient of the prestigious Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council-Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award (GYTI) in 2018. He has a strong publication record, including reviews and book chapters, and has presented his research at national and international conferences.

Here, Shibu talks about his first-author publication, “Prevention of Corneal Myofibroblastic Differentiation In Vitro Using a Biomimetic ECM Hydrogel for Corneal Tissue Regeneration”, published in ACS Applied Bio Materials.

Author interview

How would you explain your paper’s key results to the non-scientific community?

Corneal scarring is one of the major causes of blindness, affecting millions globally. Despite surgical advances, there remains a critical unmet need for clinically feasible materials to prevent scarring after corneal injury.

We developed a hydrogel derived from discarded bovine corneas. Its most remarkable property is its ability to prevent scar tissue formation in corneal cells. We believe this DCM hydrogel (decellularized corneal matrix) holds significant promise for treating various corneal conditions, including traumatic injuries, scar formation, and possibly for regenerating the entire cornea—eliminating reliance on donor corneas.

“DCM hydrogel has immense translation potential for different corneal pathologies including traumatic injuries, subsequent scar formation, and even for regenerating entire cornea, thereby eliminating the current dependency on the donor corneas.”

What are the possible consequences of these findings for your research area?

Our findings open the door for non-donor-dependent corneal treatments. The DCM hydrogel could be used for treating traumatic injuries, preventing corneal scarring, treating corneal ectasia, and regenerating full-thickness corneal tissue. This could revolutionize the field and reduce dependence on donor tissue, which is often scarce.

What was the exciting moment (eureka moment) during your research?

We created the hydrogel using a new one-chemical protocol. The eureka moment came when we observed that cells grew better in our newly developed hydrogel than in hydrogels made using existing protocols—and most importantly, they did not transform into scar-forming cells.

What do you hope to do next?

Several studies are underway. We’ve already completed a few pre-clinical studies with promising results. Our next goal is to initiate human pilot studies for specific applications of the DCM hydrogel.

Where do you seek scientific inspiration?

The joy of discovery itself is the biggest inspiration. I’m also motivated by scientists engaged in translational research—those who bridge the gap between lab findings and societal applications.

How do you intend to help Indian science improve?

Science should contribute to society. Like many researchers, I aspire to do just that. I urge parents to consider research as a career option for their children. We need more good scientists, just as much as we need doctors and engineers.

Reference

Shibu Chameettachal, Deeksha Prasad, Yash Parekh, Sayan Basu, Vivek Singh*, Kiran Kumar Bokara*, and Falguni Pati.
Prevention of Corneal Myofibroblastic Differentiation In Vitro Using a Biomimetic ECM Hydrogel for Corneal Tissue Regeneration.
ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2021, 4 (1), 533–544.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.0c00937

GYTI 2018 awardee video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?a&v=h6TynOcmbp0&feature=youtu.be