KeratOPrinter Project Aims to Restore Vision With Bioprinting Technology
KeratOPrinter is set to transform the future of vision restoration.
A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the future of vision restoration with the launch of KeratOPrinter, an €8 million EU-funded project pioneering an advanced bioprinting suite capable of producing fully functional, biocompatible, full-thickness human corneas.
A Global Solution to Corneal Blindness
Corneal blindness is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people. Yet, due to an alarming shortage of donor tissue, many patients remain unable to access life-changing corneal transplants. The KeratOPrinter project is tackling this urgent healthcare challenge by developing an innovative 3D bioprinting technology that can replicate the complex structure and functionality of the human cornea—bringing hope to millions in need.
Why KeratOPrinter is a Game-Changer
Bridging the Global Cornea Shortage: By bioprinting full-thickness, optomechanicallyfunctional corneas, this project has the potential to revolutionize the field of ophthalmology, offering an alternative to limited donor tissues.
Real-World Clinical Application: The project integrates Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant workflows and AI-driven quality control mechanisms to ensure consistency, reliability, and safe clinical translation.
Economic and Societal Impact: By delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution to corneal transplantation, KeratOPrinter will lower production costs, improve access to treatment, and enhance the quality of life for millions, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A European Collaboration Driving Innovation
The KeratOPrinter project brings together a powerhouse consortium of nine partners from five EU countries—Finland, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland. This multidisciplinary collaboration includes leading research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and industry specialists in stem cell differentiation, biomaterials, bioprinter devices, regulatory affairs, and clinical ophthalmology. The project also features state-of-the-art transport solutions, including portable incubators with active CO₂ and temperature control, ensuring the safe delivery of living cells and biological samples under optimal conditions.
Expert Insights: A Visionary Approach to Bioprinting
Professor Heli Skottman, KeratOPrinter coordinator from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University, Finland, highlights the significance of this initiative:
“The KeratOPrinter project has strategically assembled a world-class consortium to develop an innovative bioprinting technology capable of producing standardized, biocompatible, and hypoimmunogenic full-thickness corneas in a scalable, GMP-compliant manner.”
She further adds: “Corneal blindness is driven by a wide spectrum of ophthalmic conditions requiring corneal transplants. However, the severe global shortage of donor tissue is a major barrier to effective treatment. The KeratOPrinter project presents a revolutionary solution, using cutting-edge technology to address this critical medical challenge.”
A Bold Step Towards Restoring Vision
By harnessing the power of advanced bioprinting technology, the KeratOPrinter project is set to redefine corneal transplantation, making vision-restoring therapy more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. With its transformative impact on ophthalmology, this project marks a new era in regenerative medicine.
About KeratOPrinter
KeratOPrinter is an EU-funded research project dedicated to developing cutting-edge bioprinting solutions for corneal transplantation. By combining expertise from multiple disciplines, the project aims to produce a scalable, clinically viable solution to address the global challenge of corneal blindness.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101191726. The press release reflects only the authors' view and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.