This invention involves using an insulated light-proof chamber that allows the harvesting of eyes or another light-sensitive biomaterial without light exposure, allowing visual rhodopsin to regenerate more efficiently. The chamber has a cylindrical shape and is attached to a chest cooler with handles on top to rotate the walls. The chamber has multiple compartments relating to each stage of harvesting the eye including a dark cooler, preventing light from getting into the cooler while adding new biomaterial. Background: Rhodopsin is a key light-sensitive protein expressed exclusively in rod photoreceptor cells of the retina that detects light and triggers signals to the brain for vision. It is used to study molecular mechanisms of vision, signal transduction, and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. When exposed to light, it immediately photobleaches, which poses challenges for harvesting and biomaterial storage. Currently, there are various cold storage techniques for the preservation of biomaterial and eyes; however, many of these methods do not effectively support efficient rhodopsin regeneration. Moreover, relatively few existing methods include a light-proof chamber for the harvesting of the eyes. The Dark Eye Harvester addresses this limitation by integrating multiple preservation and handling techniques within a single light-proof chamber. Applications:
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