It is taboo to consume seaweed soup before exams in Korea as it may lead to failure in the exam. The belief is based on the idea that the slippery nature of algae can cause people to slip and wobble during the test. The slippery surface of algae such as kelp and kelp is attributed to alginate, a mucilaginous substance. In particular, an intriguing study was recently published exploring the use of alginate for the treatment of retinal detachment.
A collaborative effort between Professor Hyung Joon Cha of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Convergence School of Science and Technology and Dr. Geunho Choi of the Department of Chemical Engineering of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and the Professor Woo Jin Jeong, Professor Woo Chan Park and Professor Seoung Hyun An from the Department of Ophthalmology at Dong-A University Hospital have resulted in the creation of an artificial vitreous body to treat retinal detachment. This solution is based on a natural carbohydrate derived from algae. The results of the research were recently published in Biomaterialsan international biomaterials journal published by Elsevier.
The vitreous body is a gelatinous substance that occupies the space between the lens and the retina, contributing to the structural integrity of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the inner wall of the eye and moves into the vitreous cavity, causing detachment and potentially leading to blindness in severe cases. While a common approach involves removing the vitreous body and replacing it with medical intraocular fillers such as expandable gas or silicone oil, these fillers have been associated with several side effects.
To address these concerns, the research team employed a modified form of alginate, a natural carbohydrate obtained from algae. Alginate, also known as alginic acid, is widely used in various industries, including food and medicine, for its ability to create viscous products. In this research, the team made an alginate-based medical composite hydrogel, which offers a potential alternative for vitreous replacement.
The hydrogel, which has high biocompatibility and optical properties similar to the authentic vitreous body, allows patients to preserve their vision after surgery. Its distinctive viscoelasticity effectively regulates fluid dynamics within the eye, contributing to the stabilization of the retina and the elimination of air bubbles.
To validate the stability and effectiveness of the hydrogel, the team conducted experiments using animal models, specifically rabbit eyes, which closely resemble human eyes in structure, size, and physiological response. The implantation of the hydrogel in rabbit eyes demonstrated its success in preventing the recurrence of retinal detachment, maintaining stability and good function for a prolonged period without adverse effects.
Professor Hyung Joon Cha of POSTECH, who led the study, commented: “There is a correlation between retinal detachment and severe myopia and the prevalence of retinal detachment is increasing, especially among young people. The incidence of retinal detachment cases retina in Korea increased by 50% in 2022 compared to 2017.” He expressed the team’s commitment by saying: “Our team will improve and progress the technology to make the hydrogel suitable for practical use in real-world eye care through ongoing research.”
Professor Woo Jin Jeong of Dong-A University Hospital said: “The global market for intraocular fillers is expanding at a rate of 3% annually.” He added: “We anticipate that the hydrogel we created will prove beneficial in upcoming vitreoretinal surgeries.”
The research was sponsored by the Korea Medical Device Development Fund and the Mid-Career Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea.