Researcher: Zibandeh, Noushin
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Zibandeh, Noushin
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Publication Metadata only Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human dental follicle modulate the aberrant immune response in atopic dermatitis(Future Medicine, 2021) Genç, Deniz; Özgen, Züleyha; Duran, Yazgül; Göker, Kamil; Barış, Safa; Ergun, Tülin; Akkoç, Tunç; N/A; Zibandeh, Noushin; Researcher; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); N/A; N/ABackground: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory cutaneous disorder. The advancements in the understanding of AD immunological pathogenesis have caused the development of therapies that suppress the dysregulated immune response. We aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of dental stem cells (dental follicle-mesenchymal stem cells [DF-MSCs]) on AD patients. Materials & methods: We investigated the immunoregulatory potential of DF-MSCs on T cell response in AD and compared them with psoriasis and healthy individuals and the underlying mechanisms. Results: DF-MSCs significantly reduced Fas, FasL and TNFR II frequency in T cells, increased naive T cell population while reducing memory T cell, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and promoted Tregs frequency in the AD population. Conclusion: These results imply that DF-MSCs are modulating inflammation through decreasing T cell apoptosis, inducing Treg expansion and stabilizing cytokine levels. Lay abstract Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and epidermal barrier dysfunction. There is no definite solution for the treatment of AD. We aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effect of dental stem cells (dental follicle-mesenchymal stem cell [DF-MSCs]) on AD. Materials & methods: We investigated the immunoregulatory potential of DF-MSCs on inflammatory response in AD and compared them with psoriasis and healthy individuals and the mechanism underlying it. Results: DF-MSCs significantly reduced apoptosis-related markers in immune cells, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels and promoted Treg frequency in the AD. Conclusion: Our findings provide basic evidence for the potential role of DF-MSCs as a cellular therapy option in the treatment of AD and shed light on future clinical studies.Publication Metadata only Investigation of mitophagy biomarkers in corneal epithelium of keratoconus patients(Taylor and Francis Inc, 2022) Gumus, Koray; Sarac, Ozge Ilhan; Cagil, Nurullah; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; Yıldız, Erdost; Aydemir, Dilara; Zibandeh, Noushin; Ünlü, Eda Kuşan; Karslıoğlu, Melisa Zişan; Şahin, Afsun; PhD Student; PhD Student; Researcher; Researcher; Doctor; Faculty Member; Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Health Sciences; N/A; Graduate School of Health Sciences; N/A; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); N/A; Koç University Hospital; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 171267Purpose: The pathological mechanisms of keratoconus (KC) have not been elucidated yet. Mitophagy is an important mechanism that eliminates damaged mitochondria under oxidative stress, and it could be one of the leading pathological causes of KC. This study aimed to find out the role of mitophagy in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. Methods: The corneal epithelia were collected from the 103 progressive KC patients and the 46 control subjects. The real-time quantitative PCR was performed for PTEN-putative kinase-1 (PINK1), PARKIN, p62, and BNIP3 gene expressions in 31 KC and 9 control subjects. Western blot analyses were performed to investigate the protein expressions of PINK1, PARKIN, LC3B, ATG5, and BECLIN in the remaining 109 corneal epithelium samples from 72 patients and 37 control subjects. Results: mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1 decreased significantly in the corneal epithelium of KC patients compared to the control subjects. No significant change was found in mRNA levels of PARKIN, p62, and BNIP3 in KC patients. The protein expression of PARKIN, LC3B, ATG5, and Beclin did not significantly differ between KC patients and control subjects. Gene expression levels of mitophagy biomarkers were not affected by the KC grade. Conclusions: PINK1/PARKIN-dependent mitophagy is affected in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. We found significant decreases in both mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1 in the keratoconic corneal epithelium. However, we did not observe any other significant change in mitophagy markers. Mitochondrial stress-related mitophagy pathways could be interrupted by the decreased levels of PINK1 in the keratoconic corneal epithelium, but solely PINK1 dysregulation is not likely to induce KC pathogenesis.Publication Metadata only Identification of diagnostic and prognostic indicators of hypercoagulability in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome(Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), 2021) N/A; N/A; Narimanfar, Ghazal; Uğurel, Elif; Kesim, Cem; Zibandeh, Noushin; Albayrak, Özgür; Şahin, Afsun; Yalçın, Özlem; PhD Student; Resercher; Doctor; Resercher; Resercher; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Graduate School of Health Sciences; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; N/A; School of Medicine; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; Koç University Hospital; N/A; N/A; 387367; N/A; N/A; 171267; 218440N/APublication Metadata only The regulatory effect of IFN-gamma or IL-17a primed limbal mesenchymal stem cells on lymphocytes immune response(association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (aRVO), 2021) N/A; N/A; N/A; Zibandeh, Noushin; Ünlü, Eda Kuşan; Şahin, Afsun; Resercher; PhD Student; Faculty Member; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); N/A; Graduate School of Health Sciences; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; 171267Purpose : The cornea is a transparent, avascular tissue that covers the front portion of the eye. In pathologic and highly inflammatory conditions, the entire ocular surface is at risk for persistent scarring and visual loss. Despite all the treatment strategies, no effective solution has been found for patients with severe corneal injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of particular interest for the treatment of immune-related diseases owing to their immunosuppressive properties. Priming with proinflammatory cytokines improve the immunosuppressive function of MSCs. The purpose of our study is to identify the immunosuppressive effect of interferon (IFN)-γ and Interleukin (IL)17A primed Limbal- MSCs (LMSCs) on lymphocyte response. Methods : LMSCs were isolated from cadaveric corneoscleral rims and cultured in DMEM with penicillin-streptomycin and fetal bovine serum. LMSCs were characterized and differentiated in passage 3. The lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral venous blood of healthy controls (n=10). LMSCs were stimulated with IFN-γ or IL-17A for 48 hours. At the end of this period, peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy individuals were isolated and cultured with or without stimulated LMSCs for 72 hours. The cultures were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. After 72 hours, lymphocytes were collected and analyzed for proliferation assay, cell viability assay with Annexinv/PI, Fas, FasL and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+T regulatory cell ratio via flow cytometry. Results : Our results demonstrated that IFN-γ or IL-17A stimulated LMSCs suppressed the proliferation of T lymphocytes compared to unstimulated LMSCs cultures and it was statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). IFN-γ stimulated LMSCs suppressed the Annexin V and Fas expression compared to unstimulated LMSCs cultures (P<0.05) but IL-17A stimulated LMSCs did not reduce the AnnexinV and Fas expression significantly compared to unstimulated LMSCs cultures (P>0.05). IFN- γ stimulated LMSCs increased T regulatory cell frequency compared to unstimulated LMSCs cultures (P<0.05). Conclusions : Our data showed that stimulated LMSCs especially IFN-γ decreased lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis while increased the T regulatory cell ratio. We believe that LMScs could potentially be a source for future treatment strategies of inflammatory conditions particularly corneal disease.Publication Metadata only Novel corneal crosslinking technique with eosin-Y and visible light(Wiley, 2019) N/A; N/A; N/A; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; N/A; Yıldız, Erdost; Nazeer, Muhammad Anwaar; Bayraktutar, Betül; Zibandeh, Noushin; Kızılel, Seda; Şahin, Afsun; PhD Student; PhD Student; Doctor; Researcher; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; N/A; College of Engineering; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; Koç University Hospital; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 28376; 171267Purpose: Keratoconus is a progressive disease which results thinning of the cornea and increase in the forward curvature of the cornea until corneal rupture. The first choice in clinical management of keratoconus is Ultraviolet-A(UV-A) crosslinking procedure with riboflavin. This procedure is painful, prolonged and has many side effects on the patient. Eosin-y is well known molecule and it has been used as crosslinker with visible light on hydrogels with various cells. Methods: Firstly, we have examined effects of sequential concentrations of eosin-y on proliferation and apoptosis of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). We have used MTT cytotoxicity assay, Xcelligence real-time cell analysis, Ki67 and Caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining. After these tests, visible light (525 nm) induced crosslinking has performed with Eosin-Y in fresh bovine corneas at selected doses. Corneas which applied eosin-y or riboflavin, or saline are observed under scanning electron microscopy for topographic, cross-sectional and elemental analysis. Their young moduli measured with hybrid rheometer. Lastly, resistance to osmotic stress and chemical digestion of the corneas compared with water swelling test and enzymatic digestion test, respectively. Results: We have demonstrated non-toxic doses of eosin-y with cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence experiments on HCECs. We determined LD50 concentration of eosin-y for HCECs. After that, we have showed significant crosslinking with eosin-y in fresh bovine corneas. Eosin-y and visible light procedure has created faster and stronger corneal crosslinking reaction on bovine corneas compared to riboflavin and UV-A procedure. Conclusions: We have observed, eosin-y initiate faster and stronger crosslinking in corneal stroma at subtoxic doses than standard procedure. It could be new photo-initiator agent for corneal crosslinking procedure in clinics. For next step, we will examine its toxicity on corneal stromal cells and corneal endothelial cells.Publication Metadata only Does brimonidine tartarate have any effect on viability and/or proliferation of limbal mesenchymal limbal stem cells?(Assoc Research Vision Ophthalmology Inc, 2020) N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; Karslıoğlu, Melisa Zişan; Zibandeh, Noushin; Aydemir, Dilara; Ünlü, Eda Kuşan; Kesim, Cem; Taş, Ayşe Yıldız; Şahin, Afsun; Doctor; Researcher; PhD Student; Researcher; Researcher; Doctor; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Hospital; N/A; Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Health Sciences; School of Medicine; School of Medicine; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 387367; 200905; 171267Purpose : Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is still one of the hot topics within translational medicine. The limbus, rim of the corneoscleral junction of human eye, is highly rich in terms of stem cells. Limbal mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) have been used in many ocular diseases. Brimonidine tartrate (BT) is selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that its neuroprotective effect had been proven. BT drops are preferred in glaucoma patients especially for neuroprotection. Our purpose is to evaluate the effect of BT on viability and/or proliferation of LMSCs in vitro. Methods : LMSCs were isolated from corneoscleral rim. The cells in third passage were characterized and differentiated. For MTT assay, cells were seeded in the density of 3x103 in 96 well plate and pretreatment with BT in 0.1, 1, 5,10 and 200 μM concentrations. After 48 hours, MTT solution was added to each wells and plate was read in 570nm absorbance. For scratch assay, cells were seeded in the density of 6x104 in 12 well plate and pretreatment with BT in pervious mentioned concentrations. For Annexin V/PI cell viability test, cells were seeded in the density of 2x105 in 6 well plate and pretreatment with BT in pervious mentioned concentrations. After 48 hours, cells were washed and stained with Annexin V The cells were analysed by flowcytometry. Results : Our experiments showed that pre-treated LMSCs with 10 μM BT increased cell viability significantly compared to untreated cells in MTT assay (p<0.05). In scratch assay pre-treated LMSCs with 5 μM and 10 μM BT displayed statistically significant rapid migration at 20th hours regarding to other untreated cells (p<0.05). According to cell viability results, pre-treated LMSCs with 10 μM BT decreased Annexin V expression compared to untreated group. And it is statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions : Since limbal mesenchymal stem cells and optic nerve share the same embryological origin (ectodermal), it is not surp rising that in our study BT enhanced the viability of limbal mesenchymal stem cells and improved proliferation. From this point of view, we hypothesized that intravitreally injection of brimonidine tartrate loaded limbal mesenchymal stem cells may not only protect axon loss, but also induce axon regeneration in traumatic optic nerve injuries. This preliminary study supported our hypothesis and we are in the process of planning future studies about this topic.Publication Metadata only Ruthenium-induced corneal collagen crosslinking under visible light(Assoc Research Vision Ophthalmology Inc, 2022) N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; Department of Mechanical Engineering; N/A; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Yıldız, Erdost; Gülzar, Ayesha; Kaleli, Humeyra Nur; Nazeer, Muhammad Anwaar; Zibandeh, Noushin; Malik, Anjum Naeem; Taş, Ayşe Yıldız; Lazoğlu, İsmail; Şahin, Afsun; Kızılel, Seda; PhD Student; PhD Student; PhD Student; PhD Student; Researcher; PhD Student; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; N/A; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; School of Medicine; College of Engineering; School of Medicine; College of Engineering; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 200905; 179391; 171267; 28376Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a commonly used minimally invasive surgical technique to prevent the progression of corneal ectasias, such as keratoconus. Unfortunately, riboflavin/UV-A light-based CXL procedures have not been successfully applied to all patients, and result in frequent complications, such as corneal haze and endothelial damage. We propose a new method for corneal crosslinking by using a Ruthenium (Ru) based water-soluble photoinitiator and visible light (430 nm). Tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) and sodium persulfate (SPS) mixture covalently crosslinks free tyrosine, histidine, and lysine groups under visible light (400-450 nm), which prevents UV-A light-induced cytotoxicity in an efficient and time saving collagen crosslinking procedure. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Ru/visible blue light procedure on the viability and toxicity of human corneal epithelium, limbal, and stromal cells. Then bovine corneas crosslinked with ruthenium mixture and visible light were characterized, and their biomechanical properties were compared with the customized riboflavin/UV-A crosslinking approach in the clinics. Crosslinked corneas with a ruthenium-based CXL approach showed significantly higher young's modulus compared to riboflavin/UV-A light-based method applied to corneas. In addition, crosslinked corneas with both methods were characterized to evaluate the hydrodynamic behavior, optical transparency, and enzymatic resistance. In all biomechanical, biochemical, and optical tests used here, corneas that were crosslinked with ruthenium-based approach demonstrated better results than that of corneas crosslinked with riboflavin/ UV-A. This study is promising to be translated into a non-surgical therapy for all ectatic corneal pathologies as a result of mild conditions introduced here with visible light exposure and a nontoxic ruthenium-based photoinitiator to the cornea. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Keratoconus, one of the most frequent corneal diseases, could be treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light-based photo-crosslinking application to the cornea of the patients. Unfortunately, this method has irreversible side effects and cannot be applied to all keratoconus patients. In this study, we exploited the photoactivation behavior of an organoruthenium compound to achieve corneal crosslinking. Ruthenium-based organic complex under visible light demonstrated significantly better biocompatibility and superior biomechanical results than riboflavin and ultraviolet light application. This study promises to translate into a new fast, efficient non-surgical therapy option for all ectatic corneal pathologies.Publication Metadata only The effect of androgens on proinflammatory cytokine secretion from human ocular surface epithelial cells(Taylor and Francis Inc, 2021) Oner, Cagri; Schicht, Martin; Turgut Cosan, Didem; Paulsen, Friedrich; N/A; Marangoz, Deniz; Yıldız, Erdost; Zibandeh, Noushin; Şahin, Afsun; Researcher; PhD Student; Researcher; Faculty Member; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); N/A; Graduate School of Health Sciences; N/A; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 171267Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine release in human ocular surface epithelial cells exposed to LPS and LPS-binding protein (LBP). Methods: Immortalized human corneal, conjunctival, and meibomian gland epithelial cells were cultured in keratinocyte-free medium. After confluency, they were exposed to a stratification medium Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM)/F12 in the presence of fetal bovine serum and were exposed to vehicle, LPS + LBP, or DHT. Culture media were processed for multiplex-bead analysis of specific proinflammatory cytokines including interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1 beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. Cytokine concentrations were compared by analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc testing. p Results: The results are LPS + LBP-induced the secretion of IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in corneal epithelial cells; TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in conjunctival epithelial cells; and IL-8, IL-6, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in meibomian gland epithelial cells. When these LPS + LBP-stimulated cells were exposed to DHT for 2 days, it was found that DHT suppressed the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in corneal epithelial cells; TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in conjunctival epithelial cells; and IL-6, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A cytokines in meibomian gland epithelial cells. Conclusion: LPS + LBP is shown to induce the secretion of certain proinflammatory cytokines from ocular surface and adnexal epithelial cells. DHT showed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing some of those cytokines in these cell lines.Publication Metadata only Effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on gene expressions of mouse meibomian glands(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2020) N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; Yıldız, Erdost; Zibandeh, Noushin; Özer, Berna; Şahin, Afsun; PhD Student; Researcher; Researcher; Faculty Member; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Graduate School of Health Sciences; N/A; Graduate School of Health Sciences; School of Medicine; N/A; N/A; N/A; 171267Purpose: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem and its ocular complications like orbital infections, cataract and diabetic retinopathy cause blindness. Meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction and dry eye disease are also important ocular complications of type 2 DM but not enough research has been conducted on these complications. Our hypothesis suggests type 2 DM can alter significant gene expressions of MG. In our study, MGs of leptin-deficient spontaneous diabetic and non-diabetic mice were extracted, and gene expression profiles were analyzed with microarray technology. Methods: Mice were divided into two groups; nine Lep (b/ob) spontaneous diabetic mice as type 2 DM group and nine non-diabetic Balb/c mice as controls. Blood glucose levels, tearfilm break-up time and fluorescein scores were measured in both two groups for 12 weeks. MGs were dissected and RNAs were isolated for microarray gene expression analysis. We filtered probes with standard deviation of more than 0.1 and we used 40452 of 45281 probes for processing. We performed fold change analysis and identified which genes are affected, and we analyzed the impact of genes on proteins, pathways and gene ontologies by using various databases. Results: We observed 172 up-regulated and 118 down-regulated genes in type 2 diabetic mice when compared to non-diabetic mice. Interestingly, expression of collagen type I, integrin beta-I binding protein-I, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, TNF receptor genes up-regulated with DM; on the other hand, IL-33, cholecystokinin, plasminogen activator, IL-1 and serine peptidase inhibitor genes down-regulated significantly. Also, we have seen a significant decrease in WNT signaling and pentose phosphate pathways-related genes. Conclusion: Our data show these changes in gene expression caused by endocrine and immune mechanisms of type 2 DM which result disrupted homeostasis of epithelial cells of MG. Increased expressions of apoptosis and inflammation-related genes and their effects on related pathways have proven that MGs were negatively affected by type-2 DM.Publication Metadata only Ruthenium-induced corneal collagen crosslinking under visible light(Elsevier, 2022) N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; Department of Mechanical Engineering; N/A; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Gülzar, Ayesha; Yıldız, Erdost; Kaleli, Humeyra Nur; Nazeer, Muhammad Anwaar; Zibandeh, Noushin; Malik, Anjum Naeem; Taş, Ayşe Yıldız; Lazoğlu, İsmail; Şahin, Afsun; Kızılel, Seda; PhD Student; PhD Student; PhD Student; PhD Student; Researcher; PhD Student; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; Graduate School of Health Sciences; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; N/A; Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering; School of Medicine; College of Engineering; School of Medicine; College of Engineering; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; N/A; 200905; 179391; 171267; 28376Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a commonly used minimally invasive surgical technique to prevent the progression of corneal ectasias, such as keratoconus. Unfortunately, riboflavin/UV-A light-based CXL procedures have not been successfully applied to all patients, and result in frequent complications, such as corneal haze and endothelial damage. We propose a new method for corneal crosslinking by using a Ruthenium (Ru) based water-soluble photoinitiator and visible light (430 nm). Tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)) and sodium persulfate (SPS) mixture covalently crosslinks free tyrosine, histidine, and lysine groups under visible light (400-450 nm), which prevents UV-A light-induced cytotoxicity in an efficient and time saving collagen crosslinking procedure. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Ru/visible blue light procedure on the viability and toxicity of human corneal epithelium, limbal, and stromal cells. Then bovine corneas crosslinked with ruthenium mixture and visible light were characterized, and their biomechanical properties were compared with the customized riboflavin/UV-A crosslinking approach in the clinics. Crosslinked corneas with a ruthenium-based CXL approach showed significantly higher young's modulus compared to riboflavin/UV-A light-based method applied to corneas. In addition, crosslinked corneas with both methods were characterized to evaluate the hydrodynamic behavior, optical transparency, and enzymatic resistance. In all biomechanical, biochemical, and optical tests used here, corneas that were crosslinked with ruthenium-based approach demonstrated better results than that of corneas crosslinked with riboflavin/ UV-A. This study is promising to be translated into a non-surgical therapy for all ectatic corneal pathologies as a result of mild conditions introduced here with visible light exposure and a nontoxic ruthenium-based photoinitiator to the cornea. Statement of significance Keratoconus, one of the most frequent corneal diseases, could be treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light-based photo-crosslinking application to the cornea of the patients. Unfortunately, this method has irreversible side effects and cannot be applied to all keratoconus patients. In this study, we exploited the photoactivation behavior of an organoruthenium compound to achieve corneal crosslinking. Ruthenium-based organic complex under visible light demonstrated significantly better biocompatibility and superior biomechanical results than riboflavin and ultraviolet light application. This study promises to translate into a new fast, efficient non-surgical therapy option for all ectatic corneal pathologies. (c) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.