Background

The two main criteria limiting the use of cornea as a transplant are the endothelial cell density, and the requirement for the absence of microorganisms. Resistance to the antibiotics within culturing media limit the microbiological safety of corneal transplants. We aimed to test a new disinfection method using Far-UVC radiation showing a low penetration depth into the cell resulting in killing bacteria (given their small size) while leaving human cells intact.

Methods

Porcine and human corneas were irradiated with far UVC for bacterial decontamination using a krypton-chloride excimer lamp emitting 222 nm. Corneas were irradiated half-sided for 15 and 60 seconds at 1 mW/cm² , in order to adjust for an irradiation intensity not influencing the integrity of corneal endothelial cells. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Application of up to 60 mJ/cm² did not influence the integrity of corneal endothelial cells.

Conclusion

In the next step we are objecting corneal tissue to microbial contamination followed by irradiation at 222nm for 60 seconds aiming at decontaminating the corneas.

Offenlegung Interessenkonflikt:

No conflicts of interest