Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Evaluation of Serratia marcescens Adherence to Contact Lens Materials
Reed Pifer1, Valerie Harris1, Deaja Sanders1
1Alcon Research, LLC, 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USA.
Abstract:
Bacterial keratitis is a risk associated with the use of contact lenses for cosmetic purposes or vision correction. In this in vitro experimental study, we examined the ability of the ocular pathogen Serratia marcescens to adhere to monthly or biweekly replacement contact lenses. We performed quantitative adhesion assays to evaluate the adherence of S. marcescens to seven contact lens materials: comfilcon A, senofilcon A, omafilcon B, fanfilcon A, balafilcon A, senofilcon C, and lehfilcon A. Lehfilcon A is a newly marketed silicon hydrogel contact lens with a surface modification of poly-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC). PMPC has previously been demonstrated to be an effective anti-biofouling treatment for numerous surfaces. We observed low S. marcescens adherence to lehfilcon A compared to other materials. We demonstrate the use of the fluorescent dye 5(6)-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine succinimidyl ester to covalently stain live cells prior to material adhesion studies.
Insights
This study found that the new lehfilcon A contact lens material, featuring poly-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), significantly reduced bacterial adhesion of Serratia marcescens compared to other lenses. This suggests improved safety for contact lens wearers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bacterial keratitis is a serious risk associated with contact lens wear.
- Ocular pathogens like Serratia marcescens can adhere to contact lens surfaces, leading to infection.
- Developing contact lens materials that resist bacterial adhesion is crucial for eye health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adherence of Serratia marcescens to seven different contact lens materials.
- To compare the anti-adhesion properties of a novel silicon hydrogel lens (lehfilcon A) with a poly-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) surface modification against conventional materials.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative adhesion assays were performed using Serratia marcescens and seven contact lens materials.
- Live bacterial cells were covalently stained with 5(6)-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine succinimidyl ester prior to adhesion testing.
- Adherence levels were measured and compared across all tested materials.
Main Results:
- Lehfilcon A demonstrated significantly lower adherence of Serratia marcescens compared to the other six contact lens materials tested.
- The poly-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) surface modification on lehfilcon A appears to confer anti-biofouling properties against this specific ocular pathogen.
- Quantitative adhesion assays provided a clear comparison of bacterial binding across different lens materials.
Conclusions:
- The novel lehfilcon A contact lens material exhibits superior resistance to Serratia marcescens adhesion.
- The PMPC surface modification is a promising strategy for developing contact lenses with reduced risk of bacterial keratitis.
- Further research into PMPC-modified materials could lead to safer contact lens designs.
