Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis

Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis
Figure 1. Photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP): a novel type of retinal prosthesis.

Eye doctor Dr. Toshihiko Matsuo and polymer science engineer Dr. Tetsuya Uchida have been developing a new type of retinal prosthesis that is based on a photoelectric dye. The photoelectric dye is an organic molecule that absorbs light and converts light energy into electric potentials. The dye molecules are coupled to the surface of a film made of polyethylene. The polyethylene film (or polymer) is a biologically safe and stable material which is used, for example, as a component of artificial joints. The photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film, called Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis or OUReP, can be implanted beneath the retina as a substitute for photoreceptor cells.

The photoreceptor cells in the retina absorb light and generate membrane potential changes as an initial process in sight. Patients with a hereditary disease called retinitis pigmentosa, gradually lose the photoreceptor cells in their lifetime and become totally blind. These vision-impaired patients are known to maintain other that connect to the brain. Thus, the implantation of something artificial called retinal prosthesis to replace the lost , would lead to the recovery of vision in blind patients.

A prevailing type of retinal prosthesis is the so-called "camera-image-capture and electrode-array output system". The image is captured by a digital video camera attached to glasses, and converted to electric signals. These signals are transmitted to a receiver implanted in the body, and finally, electric currents are outputted from an electrode array that is implanted around the degenerated retina. In 2013, Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, by Second Sight, Inc., which uses this camera-capture and electrode-array system, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Okayama University-type —OUReP—would provide the following advantages over the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System. First of all, OUReP does not require a camera or data processing system, or wiring to the retina. A single sheet of OUReP would be implanted into the subretinal space by currently-used standard vitreous surgery, just as to treat retinal detachment. A large size of the thin film, up to 10 mm in diameter, could be implanted in the eye, which would provide a wide visual field. Dye molecules in high density on the polyethylene surface work as both an image (light)-receiver and a neuron-stimulator, leading to high resolution of images. In contrast, the Argus II System with 60 electrodes provides low resolution of images.

Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis
Figure 2. Manufacturing process of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP): a novel type of retinal prosthesis.

The biological safety of OUReP has been already proven by standardized tests, based on ISO 10993, "Biological evaluation of ". In addition, the photoelectric dye, used for OUReP, has no toxicity at all. Rats with , called RCS rats, had their vision restored by subretinal implantation of OUReP. Manufacturing and quality control has been established at the laboratory of Polymer Materials Science in a Faculty-of-Engineering Building. Dr. Matsuo and Dr. Uchida are now preparing a first-in-human clinical trial at Okayama University Hospital, in consultation with Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA, counterpart of US FDA), based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices) Act in Japan.

  • Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis
    Figure 3. Fast on-off response to light of electric potentials on the surface of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP): a novel type of retinal prosthesis.
  • Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis
    Figure 4. Schematic drawing of vitreous surgery to implant a sheet of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film (OUReP) , a novel type of retinal prosthesis, beneath the retina.

More information: Matsuo T, Uchida T, Takarabe K. Safety, efficacy, and quality control of a photoelectric dye-based retinal prosthesis (Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis) as a medical device. J Artif Organs 2009;12:213-225.

Alamusi, Matsuo T, Hosoya O, Tsutsui MK, Uchida T. Behavior tests and immunohistochemical retinal response analyses in RCS rats with subretinal implantation of Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis. J Artif Organs 2013;16 :343-351.

Provided by Okayama University
Citation: Photoelectric dye-coupled thin film as a novel type of retinal prosthesis (2014, September 30) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-09-photoelectric-dye-coupled-thin-retinal-prosthesis.html
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