Iris Timmerman

Dr. Iris Timmerman


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 August 2025 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ITIris Timmerman
Iris Timmerman
MRMarie-Claude Robert
Marie-Claude Robert
CGClaire Grosset
Claire Grosset
TJTristan Juette
Tristan Juette
JVJavier Benito de la Vibora
Javier Benito de la Vibora
Maria VanoreMaria Vanore
Maria Vanore
Pro-regenerative corneal implants are being developed to improve corneal healing for companion animals in clinical practice. This pilot study evaluated early corneal tissue and nerve regeneration using biosynthetic collagen-analog hydrogels (CAH) in liquid and solid forms. Their efficacy was compared to each other and to allografts on nine white New Zealand rabbits, divided in three groups of three. Each rabbit cornea underwent keratectomy followed by grafting with either a control allograft cornea, liquid injectable, or solid CAH implant. Corneal healing was assessed over 16 weeks using clinical exams, esthesiometry, in vivo confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. One rabbit per group was euthanized at 3, 10, and 16 weeks for histopathological analysis. Both liquid and solid implants enabled corneal re-epithelialization and regeneration of stromal tissue and corneal nerves. Esthesiometric values indicated faster nerve regeneration in rabbits grafted with biosynthetic implants compared to allografts (p < 0.005). By 16 weeks, regenerated neocorneas achieved transparency comparable to allografts. Solid and liquid CAH implants supported complete corneal tissue and nerve regeneration in the studied rabbits. These results suggest that with further research and development, the current gold standard for corneal transplantation could be replaced by high-performing, easily produced biosynthetic alternatives.