Layer-by-Layer modification of poly (methyl methacrylate) intra ocular lens: drug delivery applications

Even though infection followed by Intra ocular lens (IOL) implantation is a rare complication, therapeutic options are limited and it affects the vision seriously. Interestingly, IOL itself acts as substrate for the adhesion and proliferation of bacteria. An approach to facilitate antibacterial drug adsorption onto the surface of IOL through the modification of IOL surface using the concept of Layer-by-Layer (LbL) formation without sacrificing the vital optical features of the IOLs is presented here. Polyelectroylte multilayers incorporating ampicillin was fabricated on the IOLs using LbL deposition of Poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and Poly (ethylenimine) (PEI). Altogether six layers were formed. The layer formation enabled the IOL to adsorb the drug and modulated the release in a sustained fashion. It appears that using this strategy, IOLs could be modified using a variety of degradable or non-degradable materials to precisely control the delivery of active components to protect eye and the device.