Corneal Research

In co-operation with Christian Lotz, PhD, Fraunhofer Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLZ-RT), we developed a three-dimensional artificial cornea model to investigate corneal diseases in vitro. We can simulate wound healing after corneal injuries, but also sight threatening corneal infections. Most importantly, we can carry out drug tests on the in vitro model, thereby avoiding animal experiments.

Contact: 
PhD, Dr. rer. nat. Christian Lotz
Dr. med. Hong Han
Dr. med. univ. Olga Lamm

Both the inner layer of the cornea, the corneal endothelium, and the cell layer under the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), are essential for vision. Both types of tissue are amitotic and cannot regenerate. By introducing genes that influence cell division, we can promote their ability to regenerate. We currently study this concept in vitro in cooperation with the Lions Eye Bank Würzburg. In the long term, this might improve the quality of donor corneas before transplantation.

Contact: 
PhD, Dr. med. Hong Han

Corneal fungal infections can arise spontaneously, but most of all through contaminated contact lenses, and often have dire consequences for the transparency of the cornea requiring corneal transplantation. Few drugs are effective because fungi are often resistant. In cooperation with Professor Oliver Kurzai, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology and Head of the National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk), we simulate fungal infections in three-dimensional corneal models. We can study the behavior of certain fungal strains on corneal tissue and their response to drugs in vitro.

Contact: 
Prof. Dr. med. Oliver Kurzai, PhD
Dr. med. Johanna Theuersbacher