In vitro evaluation of chemically cross-linked shape-memory acrylate-methacrylate copolymer networks as ocular...

Acrylates have been used in ophthalmic practice as a paradigmatic implant material for decades, especially as intraocular lens for their excellent transparency. A novel polymeric shape memory system of chemically cross-linked acrylate-methacrylate copolymer networks was developed and characterized in this study. The thermomechanical properties, shape memory properties, transparency, and surface wettability as well as cytotoxicity were systematically evaluated to mimic the in vivo situation by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, spectrophotometer, Abbe refractometer, contact angle measurements, and MTT assay. It was found that the chemically cross-linked copolymer network behaves as an elastomer capable of arbitrary shaping above the glass-transition temperature. Transition temperatures of the networks were tunable through the change of the composition of monomers.