New project on the reduction of fibroblast adhesion
Scar formation is the most prominent complication after Glaucoma treatment via Trabeculectomy. It is usually triggered by tenon fibroblasts which quickly adhere to the opening and trigger unwanted wound healing. In an interdisciplinary project with the Ophthalmic Clinic Freiburg we plan to reduce scar formation by reducing fibroblast adhesion at the surgical site. The project has now gained funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).
The strategy of the proposed work is to attach hydrogels to the surgical site. These polymer network swell strongly in the aqueous environment of the eye. Swollen hydrogels repel proteins very effectively and it is known that the reductiong of protein adsorption is a good strategy to also keep cells away from the surface. It is now hoped that ultrathin hydrogel coatings which are directly deposited at the sklera keep the surgical site open and allow for an effective drainage of aqueous humor from within the eye. This drainage can subsequently restore a normal low intraocular pressure.
Our partners at the University hospital are PD Dr. Jens Jordan (Photo) and Dr. Alexandra Anton.
We are very grateful to the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for funding this interesting and challenging project (Ru489/27-1 an Jo364/5-1).
Azubi gesucht