A new generation of molecular retina prostheses has been tested
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists from Catalonia have completed a long work on the creation of photosensitive molecules for use in molecular retinal prosthetics. Specificity of technology is that today it is possible to restore lost visual function in patients with retinal degeneration. The study was led by Dr. Pau Horostiz and Amadeu Liebaria, representing the University of Chemical Research in Catalonia.
Scientists point out that when molecules are connected to nerve cells, the reaction to light stimuli is completely renewed. In cooperation with specialized higher educational institutions in Spain, the professors conducted tests on the cellular structures of a new variety of therapeutic molecules. These are the so-called target covalent light switches that can transform their structure under the influence of light. Targeting light switches are a relatively new product obtained by specialists of the chemical field at the Catalan University of Biological Engineering. This invention was first proposed to be used for remote management and correction of various implants. As scientists explained, they tried to coordinate the functionality of devices and devices embedded in the tissue with the help of a light stimulus. However, after additional experiments and studies it was found that the combination of target covalent light switches and protein structures of neurons leads to the restoration of a natural response to natural light.
Thus, a new product in theory is capable of substituting photosensitive structures lost due to processes of degeneration in the retina of the eye. "In a natural environment and under adequate conditions, photosensitive eye structures - photoreceptors - are stimulated and become active under the influence of rays, giving urges to other cells. The molecular implants invented by us are also brought into the active state by means of light radiation. They are able to transform the configuration of molecules, interacting with Nervus opticus - the second pair of cranial nerves, through which a picture in the form of a visual image, taken by the sensory cells in the retina, is transmitted to the brain, "explains the author of the study. Molecular prostheses of the retina of the new generation have already passed successful tests on the organs of sight of blind rodents: specialists have succeeded in recording the pronounced reaction of rodents to a light stimulus. Tests in vitro prove that it is quite possible to restore visual function in a person if the loss of vision is associated with degenerative changes in the retina of the eye. For the first experiments, almost everything is ready. However, as the scientists point out, it may take another couple of years to conduct laboratory experiments and clinical tests.
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