A Rabbit Model of Acanthamoeba Keratitis - Use of Infected Soft Contact Lenses After Corneal Epithelium Debridement With a Diamond Burr
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2017-02-20 |
| Journal | Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science |
| Authors | Ăngel OrtillĂ©s, Pilar Goñi, EncarnaciĂłn Rubio Aranda, Marta Sierra, Ekaterina GĂĄmez |
| Institutions | Universidad de Zaragoza, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine |
| Citations | 12 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Analysis & Documentation: MPCVD Diamond for Precision Biomedical Tooling
Section titled âTechnical Analysis & Documentation: MPCVD Diamond for Precision Biomedical ToolingâExecutive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research establishes a reliable rabbit model for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), crucially relying on precision surgical materials to mimic the diseaseâs natural progression. 6CCVD analyzes the requirements for the critical diamond abrasive component used in this study, aligning them directly with our custom MPCVD capabilities.
- Critical Application: Development of a highly effective in vivo AK model in rabbits using infected soft contact lenses.
- Key Material Requirement: Precise corneal epithelial debridement was achieved using a 3.5 mm medium-grit diamond burr unit.
- Diamond Function: The high purity and controlled abrasivity of MPCVD diamond are essential for achieving reproducible, controlled corneal injury without excessive complications (like endophthalmitis).
- Model Success: The combination of infected lenses and controlled epithelial debridement resulted in high infection rates (up to 100%), validating the model for subsequent drug testing and pathogenicity studies.
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: We specialize in supplying high-durability, biomedical-grade MPCVD Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) and Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) materials, necessary for the consistent fabrication of precision surgical and veterinary tools like the required diamond burr.
- Quality Assurance: 6CCVD offers precision fabrication, including substrates up to 10 mm thick and PCD wafers up to 125 mm, ensuring scalable and reproducible diamond material supply for advanced medical tooling.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâData extracted concerning the diamond tool specifications and experimental metrics.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debridement Tool Type | Diamond Burr Unit (AlgerBrush II) | N/A | Tool used for controlled epithelial abrasion |
| Diamond Burr Diameter | 3.5 | mm | Physical size of the diamond abrasive head |
| Diamond Abrasive Grade | Medium grit | N/A | Specified grain size/roughness required for controlled debridement |
| Rabbit Strain | New Zealand White | N/A | Experimental animal model |
| Standard Amoebae Dose | 1000 | amoebae/mm2 | High-concentration inoculum used on contact lenses |
| Active Parasite Stage | 90 | % Trophozoites | Ratio of motile, infectious amoebae used |
| Max SCD Thickness (6CCVD Capability) | 500 | ”m | Available SCD thickness for potential thin-film diamond tools/coatings |
| Polishing Specification (SCD, 6CCVD) | Ra < 1 | nm | Guaranteed surface roughness for high-precision components |
| Highest Infection Rate Achieved | 100 | % | Observed in Group 2L-21d (2 infected lenses, 21-day delay) |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâA summary of the procedures, focusing on the steps requiring high-precision material control.
- Preparation of Model: Male New Zealand white rabbits (1.8-2.2 kg) were placed under general and topical anesthesia.
- Corneal Debridement (Critical Step): The corneal epithelium was completely debrided using a battery-operated handheld diamond burr unit (AlgerBrush II, 3.5 mm diameter, medium grit). This action must be controlled and reproducible to ensure consistent injury.
- Inoculum Standardization: Acanthamoeba spp. strains (Genotype T4) were cultured and concentrated, typically to 1000 amoebae/mm2 (90% trophozoites).
- Infected Lens Placement: Silicone-hydrogel bandage contact lenses, pre-laden with the standardized inoculum, were placed onto the freshly debrided corneal surface.
- Post-Procedure Management: The eyes were closed using a temporary central tarsorrhaphy, and lenses were removed after 3 days.
- Confirmation: Infection was confirmed and scored (0-16 total score) using slit-lamp examination, corneal cytology/culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and histopathologic analysis (5 ”m sections).
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThe successful replication and extension of this research rely on the quality and consistency of the diamond abrasive material used in the surgical burr. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the advanced diamond materials required for precision ophthalmic and veterinary tooling.
Applicable Materials for Diamond Burr Tooling
Section titled âApplicable Materials for Diamond Burr ToolingâThe requirement for a highly precise and durable abrasive medium for controlled surgical debridement dictates the use of high-ppurity MPCVD diamond.
| Requirement | 6CCVD Material Solution | Why 6CCVD is Chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive Durability | Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Substrates | Excellent hardness and wear resistance required for repeatable surgical procedures; available up to 125 mm diameter. |
| Precision Grit/Coatings | Custom PCD Powder/Grit | We provide PCD material tailored for specific grit sizes (e.g., âmedium gritâ), ensuring controlled, standardized abrasion for biomedical tools. |
| Ultra-High Purity | Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) | If a specific geometry or thin-film diamond coating is required for the burr tip, SCD offers maximum material purity and structural integrity. Thicknesses from 0.1 ”m to 500 ”m available. |
| Biocompatibility | SCD or High-Purity PCD | MPCVD growth ensures materials free from metal catalysts commonly found in HPHT processes, crucial for biomedical contact. |
Customization Potential for Medical Devices
Section titled âCustomization Potential for Medical DevicesâThe study highlights the reliance on a specific geometry (3.5 mm burr) and abrasive grade (âmedium gritâ). 6CCVDâs specialized services directly support manufacturers needing to replicate or optimize this critical component:
- Custom Dimensions: We supply PCD wafers up to 125 mm, which can be precision laser-cut into custom shapes suitable for tool head attachment or subsequent coating processes.
- Precision Diamond Grading: We provide diamond material and powder specified to custom micron ranges, guaranteeing consistent abrasive performanceâa necessity for reproducible results in animal models.
- Surface Finishing: For tools requiring smooth contact surfaces adjacent to the abrasive tip, 6CCVD offers superior polishing capabilities (Ra < 5 nm on inch-size PCD), minimizing unintentional corneal trauma.
- Engineering Consultation: Our in-house PhD material science team specializes in optimizing diamond material selection (SCD vs. PCD) and fabrication methods for precision surgical instruments used in ophthalmic and veterinary surgical applications.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
The combination of two infected contact lenses after corneal debridement seems to be an alternative model, clinically and histopathologically similar to its human counterpart, to induce the different AK stages and reproduce the course of the disease in rabbits.