Biomaterials and the treatment of AMD

These resources can be used as a context to look at 14-16 and post-16 biology curriculum areas of:

• vision and the eye

• structure and function of the retina

• development and use of biomaterials

• tissue transplants and stem cells in the treatment of human disorders

• working scientifically – experimental skills, analysis and evaluation

In the first activity, students design a series of tests to see how different objects and colours are detected and perceived throughout the field of vision. This helps to give students an understanding of how the eye functions and also an indication of the distribution of the different photoreceptors in the retina.

Dr Kearns describes how expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is being modified and used as a substrate for the growth of retinal cells. The aim is to develop a transplantable membrane that can help prevent loss of retina function.  The subsequent activities model some of the tests that Dr Kearns’ and her group perform on their modified ePTFE to test how different modifications affect the properties of the membrane.  

Victoria Kearns -introduction

The eye and age-related AMD

Biomaterials and treatments for AMD