Eye model for floaters’ studies: production of 3D printed scaffolds

Floaters are aggregates of collagen that form inside the vitreous body. They originate by liquefaction of the vitreous and result in visual field distortions. In some cases, the patient discomfort is so severe that surgical removal is required, with the risk of consequent complications. However, floaters have yet to be fully studied and understood in the way and time they originate. The introduction of 3D printing boosted the development of new tools for scientific research such as bio-models. Bio-model applications range from surgical training to implants fabrication. Several models are also bioprinted as rigid scaffolds or bio inks containing living cells. Medical implants are often produced by Stereolithography (SLA) to build complex geometries and meet the desired mechanical properties with high-dimensional accuracies. This paper focuses on the optimization of the printing parameters of an SLA structure to obtain a scaffold with the required characteristic for a proper 3D cell culture and investigation. The model will be the starting point for a future study regarding the etiology and formation mechanism of eye floaters in cell culture. The studied 3D printing parameters are layer thickness, exposure time, and light blocker content added to a biocompatible resin. Due to the final application, the main required property of the scaffold is transparency that allows visual inspection under optical microscope. The selected samples showed a good biocompatibility and visibility under optical microscope, both promising results for long-term cell cultures.