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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
Biocompatibility of antimicrobial melimine lenses: rabbit and human studies
Debarun Dutta1, Jerome Ozkan, Mark D P Willcox
1*BOptom †PhD, FAAO School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (DD, JO, MDPW); and Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (DD, JO).
Purpose:
Covalent immobilization of antimicrobial peptide melimine onto contact lenses can produce broad-spectrum antimicrobial lenses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of melimine-coated contact lenses in an animal model and human clinical trial.
Methods:
Melimine was covalently attached onto the surface of contact lenses via EDC (1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride) coupling. A rabbit model of daily contralateral wear of lenses for 22 days was conducted to assess the lens safety. A prospective, randomized, double-masked, one-day human clinical trial was used to evaluate subjective responses and ocular physiology during contralateral wear of melimine-coated (test) and uncoated (control) lenses. Delayed reactions were monitored during follow-up visits after 1 and 4 weeks. Ex vivo retention of antimicrobial activity of worn lenses was assessed by reduction in numbers of viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Results:
Melimine-coated lenses produced no ocular signs or symptoms that would indicate cytotoxicity during the lens wear of rabbits. No histological changes were found in rabbit corneas. During the human trial, no differences were observed in wettability, surface deposition, lens-fitting centration, movement, tightness, and corneal coverage between test and control lenses (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in bulbar, limbal, or palpebral redness or conjunctival staining (p > 0.05). Mean corneal (extent, depth, and type) staining was higher for test lenses compared with that for control lenses (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective responses for lens comfort, dryness, and awareness (p > 0.05). No delayed reactions were associated with the test lenses. Worn test lenses retained more than 1.5 log inhibition against both bacterial types.
Conclusions:
Melimine-coated contact lenses were worn safely by humans. However, they were associated with higher corneal staining. The melimine-coated lenses retained high antibacterial activity after wear.
Insights
Melimine-coated contact lenses show antimicrobial activity and are safe for human wear, though they may increase corneal staining. These antimicrobial contact lenses retain significant antibacterial properties after use.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Antimicrobial peptides offer broad-spectrum activity.
- Covalent immobilization of melimine onto contact lenses creates antimicrobial lenses.
- Evaluating melimine-coated contact lenses in vivo is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and performance of melimine-coated contact lenses.
- To investigate ocular response in a rabbit model and human clinical trial.
- To determine the retained antimicrobial activity of worn melimine-coated lenses.
Main Methods:
- Melimine was covalently attached to contact lenses using EDC coupling.
- Rabbit models assessed lens safety over 22 days of wear.
- Human clinical trial evaluated subjective responses and ocular physiology during one-day wear, with follow-up for delayed reactions.
Main Results:
- Melimine-coated lenses showed no cytotoxicity or histological changes in rabbit eyes.
- Human trials found no significant differences in lens comfort, wettability, or fit.
- Increased corneal staining was observed with melimine-coated lenses, but they retained significant antibacterial activity (>1.5 log inhibition).
Conclusions:
- Melimine-coated contact lenses are safe for human wear.
- Corneal staining is a potential side effect of melimine-coated lenses.
- These lenses maintain potent antimicrobial efficacy after wear.
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