Dr Jannis Paulus of the Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins) shared the latest advances in stem cell research with Michelle Glazer from Foundation Fighting Blindness [USA].  He discussed the use of Optical Coherence Tomography [OCT] imaging and gold nanoparticles to track individual cells as they repair retinal damage. These innovations may dramatically improve delivery, dosing, and outcome measurement for future therapies.

Dr Paulus explained the use of OCT – a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to produce high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, and gives researchers the capability of tracking the stem cells using gold nano particles. They can even track individual cells and see them repair areas of retinal damage. This allows researchers to optimise doses, delivery strategies, and outcomes measurements.  Cells can be labelled with a unique code to track and monitor each cell very accurately.  Dr Paulus said that he is excited about the possibilities of what these and other advances in regenerative cell research can do for patients in the future.