Nature has always provided an unlimited source of biologically-active compounds. Since the beginning of mankind, humans have sought resources in fauna and flora to treat eye diseases. However, it was only after the Industrial Revolution that extracts of plants and substances of animal origin could be used safely, as has been determined by controlled interventional studies. Two major challenges faced by ocular pharmacology are the following: developing drugs that are able to reduce blindness due to glaucoma; and controlling the pain associated with eye surgery. The search for a drug that effectively lowers intraocular pressure and controls the progression of glaucoma has led to the development of various ocular hypotensive agents, such as physostigmine from the Physostigma venenosum plant. The anesthetic properties of cocaine, extracted from Erythroxylon coca, finally enabled surgical procedures in the eye. Several new natural compounds have been investigated in an attempt to identify substances with the potential to provide additional benefits to eye tissue and vision. Emerging evidence of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiangiogenic properties attributed to plant extracts and animal tissues has encouraged more investment in research in this area. Despite technological advances in synthesizing drugs, the pharmaceutical industry still seeks new active compounds from natural sources as well as from revisiting already-established naturally derived compounds. Although a large number of naturally-occurring compounds is known, this review article focuses on the bioactive substances with scientifically-proven benefits for ocular tissues.

The attempt to repair skin wounds dates back many years. We have observed bone fragments for making needles, hair, fibers, and animal tissues as sutures and even applying sensors to accelerate the healing process throughout history. Despite all the developments, the need for a qualified professional and prior local anesthesia to perform the suture still represent obstacles. The present study aimed to create 3D printing pieces containing N42 neodymium magnets to be fixed to the skin with adhesive tape to promote skin wounds' closure without the need for anesthesia. A descriptive, experimental study was carried out, divided into the Patent search, Ideation and creation, 3D Modeling, 3D printing of structural parts, Assembly, and Testing on artificial skin. ABSplus® plastic parts were created through 3D printing that received N42 neodymium magnets and the application of a double-sided adhesive to attach to the skin. A perilesional arrangement was simulated with the pieces created using an artificial skin model (EasySuture® Standart) after making the incision. After applying the pieces containing N42 neodymium, there was a perfect coaptation of the lesion's edges without detecting interspersed spaces in the longitudinal axis of the incision. The research resulted in creating a prototype that needs improvements and industrial adaptations for viable use in surgical practice.

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