Patent ID: 7579442

Claim:
A method of producing a controlled corneal collagen fibril matrix with a controlled cross-hatch pattern of fibril strands of collagen on a conductive target for transfer to a cornea, comprising the steps of: A) providing a conductive spraying needle having a conductive needle tip, and a conductive target, B) forming a solution of collagen using a solvent, and loading the solution of collagen in the conductive spraying needle having a conductive needle tip, C) providing a power source having an alternating output voltage adjustable over a range extending from 1000 to 20,000 volts, the output voltage being coupled to produce an electric field between the conductive target and the conductive needle tip, D) adjusting the alternating output voltage of the power source to produce a strand of collagen fiber from a Taylor Cone from the solution of collagen passing from the conductive needle tip to the conductive target when the electric field exceeds the surface tension of the solution of collagen fluid in the conductive needle tip, E) directing the strand of collagen fiber from the Taylor Cone onto the conductive target from the conductive needle tip, F) moving said conductive spraying needle having a conductive needle tip in a linear direction for a fixed distance and then reversing such motion with respect to said conductive target while at the same time indexing the target utilizing a precision positioner, to deposit a first collagen mat of collagen fibril strands laid down on said conductive target, and then rotating the target ninety degrees and repeating the process to obtain a second mat of collagen fibril strands laid down on said first collagen mat of collagen fibril strands on said conductive target, the first and second mat forming a controlled corneal collagen fibril matrix with a controlled cross-hatch pattern, G) evaporating said solvent from said controlled corneal collagen fibril matrix with a controlled cross-hatch pattern on said conductive target, H) repeating steps E-G to obtain the controlled corneal collagen fibril matrix with a controlled cross-hatch pattern of collagen fibril strands having a thickness sufficient for transfer to a cornea.