University of Dayton Researcher Named on Second Patent for Device to Provide Better Relief for Glaucoma Patients

Khalid Lafdi, University of Dayton Wright Brothers Endowed Chair in Nanomaterials, was named on a second patent for a medical drainage device mainly for glaucoma patients that also could be used for drainage in the ears, brain, or chest or to provide access to larger veins or arteries, according to a University of Dayton news release.

The device Mr.  Lafdi created with UD graduate Edward Timm, CEO of Mobius Therapeutics, prevents the growth of fibroblasts that encapsulate and block drainage devices. Previous versions of the device made of silicon increase fibroblasts.

“Silicone itself actually stimulates the growth of fibroblasts and results in the dysfunction of silicone glaucoma drainage devices,” said Mr. Timm.

Mr. Lafdi and Mr. Timm designed the drain tube using Mr. Lafdi’s “fuzzy fiber,” a scaffold of carbon — also highly biocompatible — covered with surface-treated carbon nanotubes grown in a highly controlled manner, giving the material its fuzzy appearance, according to Mr. Lafdi.

“The first patent protected drainage devices constructed entirely with Mr. Lafdi’s carbon-based material. This second patent protects existing devices coated with the material,” Mr. Timm said. “Therefore, we can configure more flexible, optimal devices for the eye and then coat them in the material that prohibits fibroblasts.”