How women at BIENCO are helping change the future of corneal transplantation

The innovative techniques behind BIENCO’s quest to address corneal blindness is driven by a diverse and dynamic team of researchers – including a group of BIENCO female scientists in Queensland, Sydney and Wollongong – who are using cutting-edge techniques to develop bioengineered corneas and restore sight to millions of people worldwide.

Around the world, millions of people are waiting for corneal transplants, and for every one transplant performed, 70 more people are left waiting. At BIENCO, we are determined to change this staggering statistic by making the gift of sight available to all who need it. By harnessing the power of interdisciplinary science, innovative bioengineering, and a commitment to patient care, we are paving the way for the future of corneal transplant technology.

Addressing such a large task requires many experts from different fields of research. From cell culture experts to flow cytometry pioneers, histologists, and bioengineers, the women part of the BIENCO team are redefining what’s possible in ocular science, and their work is helping to address one of the most urgent challenges in global healthcare.

In the largest Commonwealth grant ever bestowed to eye research in Australia, leaders from renowned institutions including the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong, Queensland University of Technology, The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service and the Centre for Eye Research Australia, are breaking new ground.

The QUT team. Main: Prof. Damien Harkin (back left), Dr. Natalie McKirdy (back right), Dr. Jennifer Young (front centre). Additional upper right: Dr. Adaeze Ekwe. Additional lower right: Ms. Ceara McGowan.
Main image courtesy of QUT Media (media@qut.edu.au). Additional images taken by Prof. Damien Harkin.

The Women Pioneering Bioengineering for Corneal Transplants

Growing corneal cells from donated tissue and creating lab-grown corneas that replicate the structure and function of a healthy human cornea is a monumental task, but one that’s being driven by the exceptional leadership of women scientists who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), researchers including Dr. Jennifer Young are culturing corneal cells to create bioengineered corneas that can be used in transplants. Dr. Young, an expert in ocular cell biology, is leading efforts to successfully grow endothelial cells—the cells responsible for regulating hydration in the cornea. While these cells are notoriously difficult to culture, Dr. Young’s expertise and leadership has helped guide the team to overcome this challenge and take one step closer to creating viable, lab-grown corneas for transplant.

A Visionary Leader in Ocular Cell Biology

As a leading expert in the culture of endothelial cells, Dr. Young brings over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of neurobiology to the BIENCO project. Dr. Young’s dedication to cell biology and ocular health has been instrumental in ensuring that the lab-grown endothelial cells meet the high standards needed for a successful transplant.

Dr. Young’s pioneering research focuses on making endothelial cells not only viable but functional, ensuring that the corneas developed at BIENCO can maintain the hydration balance essential for clear vision. Her ability to lead this complex and innovative work sets the foundation for future breakthroughs in corneal transplantation and eye care.

Staining cells for key proteins that indicate correct functionality (ZO-1 proteins stained green at the edges of B4G12 endothelial cells, nuclei stained blue). Cell culture, staining, and photography by Dr. Jennifer Young.

Flow Cytometry

Another essential contributor to this project is Dr. Adaeze Ekwe, a recent graduate and expert in flow cytometry, a powerful technique used to analyse and sort individual cells based on their characteristics. Dr. Ekwe’s expertise ensures that the cells used for the bioengineered corneas are the most ideal candidates for transplantation, improving the quality of the transplants and the chances of successful outcomes for patients.

Dr. Ekwe’s work with flow cytometry helps the BIENCO team to select the best cells for bioengineering by labelling and sorting them based on multiple markers, ensuring only the most viable cells progress to the next stage to create life-changing medical solutions.

Mastering Histology to Ensure Functional Corneal Transplants

Once the corneal cells are cultured and assembled into bioengineered corneas, the question remains: how can we ensure these lab-grown tissues are structurally and functionally identical to natural human corneas? Ms. Ceara McGowan, an expert in histology, plays a crucial role in this next step. Using specialised staining techniques, Ms. McGowan analyses the bioengineered tissues at the cellular level, ensuring that they mirror the natural structure of the human cornea.

Ms. McGowan’s work ensures that the bioengineered corneas not only have the correct cell arrangement but also functional connections between cells and the correct expression of key proteins. By examining tissue at a microscopic level, she helps guarantee that the bioengineered corneas will function properly when transplanted into patients, to provide the best possible chance at restoring vision.

Diagram of a cross section of the human eye, labelling major structures, and an inset image of the cell layers of the cornea (section of human donor cornea tissue, stained with H&E), again with labelling of the cell types and interconnecting structures. Diagram by National Eye Institute (CC-by-2.0), inset image by C. McGowan, QUT.

Crafting the Ideal Collagen Structures for Better Corneal Bioengineering

At The University of Sydney, Dr. Jingjing You is driving key innovations in the BIENCO project, using her deep expertise in collagen manufacturing and bioengineering to shape the future of corneal treatments. Her work is helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in creating bioengineered corneas, transforming the landscape of eye care.

As a member of the managing committee, Dr. You leads the scientific research efforts at the University of Sydney, where she focuses on developing innovative methods for fabricating corneal endothelium and human corneas using cutting-edge techniques such as 3D printing. Dr. You’s expertise in proteomics has been key in driving the development of innovative collagen-based technologies for the BIENCO project. By applying her skills in protein analysis and data handling, she has led efforts in producing collagen in-house and pioneering new fabrication techniques. These advancements are helping to create more efficient and sustainable corneal transplants, paving the way for greater accessibility to life-changing treatments.

Dedicated to encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM, Dr. You emphasises the importance of creating inclusive opportunities rather than making gender comparisons. By showcasing female role models, offering scholarships, and fostering supportive networks, she believes we can inspire and empower the next generation of women to make meaningful strides in scientific research and innovation.

University of Sydney Team. (Left to right) Ms Jaime Dale, Ms Aabha Sahakari, Ms Kylie Tran, Dr Jiyoung Moon, Ms Arzu Demir, Ms Yuan Fang, Dr Jingjing You.

Ensuring Collagen Integrity for Successful Bioengineered Corneas

Another key member of the BIENCO team is Dr. Rabia Mobeen, an experienced optometrist and researcher working at The University of Wollongong. Her extensive background in ocular research and clinical practice brings a wealth of knowledge to the project. Dr. Mobeen’s journey in research began with her passion for improving eye care, and her work today spans both Australia and Pakistan, where she has spent over two decades advancing optometry through education, research, and clinical services.

Dr. Mobeen plays a critical role in ensuring the success of BIENCO’s mission by conducting vital quality checks and characterising collagen used in bioengineering corneas. Her specific focus is on evaluating collagen properties during the purification process, monitoring any changes that may occur during dialysis. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the collagen, ensuring that it remains consistent and suitable for the creation of bioengineered corneas. Through her meticulous work, Dr. Mobeen ensures that only the highest-quality collagen is used in the bioengineering process, enhancing the likelihood of successful transplants and better outcomes for patients.

Her dedication to evidence-based practices, coupled with her passion for improving patient care, makes Dr. Mobeen a key part of the BIENCO team. She is also a strong advocate for encouraging more women to enter science and research, hoping to inspire the next generation of female scientists to pursue careers in these fields. Through mentorship, support, and representation, Dr. Mobeen believes that we can break down cultural barriers and create a more inclusive environment for women in science.

Dr. Rabia Mobeen. Image courtesy of the University of New South Wales School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (UNSW SOV).

A Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Approach

The BIENCO project reflects the collaborative strength of a diverse team of researchers, with women scientists playing a key role in advancing the work. Dr. Jennifer Young, Dr. Adaeze Ekwe, and Ms. Ceara McGowan, Dr. Jingjing You and Dr. Rabia Mobeen are among the many dedicated researchers contributing to the project’s success. Their expertise is integral to the cutting-edge techniques being developed in corneal transplant technology.

Women scientists are not only contributing to but leading, some of the most important breakthroughs in ocular science. By combining bioengineering, cell biology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we are on the cusp of a new era in corneal transplantation to provide life-changing, sight-restoring solutions to patients around the world.