Abstract

Modelling the Eye with Microfluidics

Anderson Shum, Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong

The human eye is an important organ with a sophisticated network of fluid flows; its healthy functioning depends on the static fluid environments, such as the intraocular pressure, and the dynamic fluid conditions. The flow of fluids into and out of the eye presumably also influences the growth of cells, such as the retinal ganglion cells in the eye cavity. Conventional in vitro eye models are simple to fabricate and use, but lack the capacities to include controlled fluid flows and culture of retinal cells. Advances in microfluidics have created new opportunities in deriving new in vitro eye models that can incorporate customisable fluid channels, potentially resulting in more physiologically relevant eye models. In this talk, I will discuss our efforts in the group in constructing microfluidic eye models and using them to understand pathophysiology of the eye and in enhancing postoperative surgical procedures.