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Published on: March 8, 2019
Soft contact lens biomaterials from bioinspired phospholipid polymers
Tatsuro Goda1, Kazuhiko Ishihara
1The University of Tokyo, Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
Expert Review of Medical Devices
|March 7, 2006
Summary
Soft contact lenses (SCLs) are evolving with biomimetic phospholipid polymers. These advanced materials enhance biocompatibility and anti-biofouling properties, improving SCL performance for extended wear.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmic Materials
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Soft contact lens (SCL) development began with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly[HEMA]) hydrogels.
- Advancements led to increased water content and oxygen permeability, enabling disposable and continuous wear SCLs.
- Current research focuses on improving silicone hydrogel wettability, with less attention on anti-biofouling and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of biomimetic phospholipid polymers for SCL surface modification.
- To enhance the anti-biofouling properties and biocompatibility of silicone hydrogels.
- To review polymer hydrogel design strategies for biocompatible SCLs.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of silicone hydrogels with phospholipid polymers, specifically those containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) units.
- Synthesis of a novel phospholipid-type intermolecular crosslinker to create 100% phospholipid polymer hydrogels.
- Evaluation of protein adsorption, cell compatibility, blood compatibility, water wettability, and oxygen permeability.
Main Results:
- MPC polymer coating improved silicone hydrogel wettability and biocompatibility while maintaining high oxygen permeability.
- Phospholipid polymers suppressed nonspecific protein adsorption and enhanced cell compatibility.
- A 100% phospholipid polymer hydrogel demonstrated improved anti-biofouling properties and biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic phospholipid polymers offer significant potential for improving SCL anti-biofouling properties and biocompatibility.
- Surface modification and novel hydrogel synthesis using these polymers are promising strategies for advanced SCL development.
- Further research into polymer hydrogel design is crucial for creating next-generation biocompatible SCLs.
