Developing Transparent and Conductive PolyHEMA Gels Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.
Tai-Yu Chen1, Yi-Jie Jiang1, Hsiu-Wen Chien1,2
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 807618, Taiwan.
Polymers
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed novel poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (polyHEMA) gels using deep eutectic solvents (DES) for improved contact lenses. These DES-based polyHEMA materials exhibit enhanced optical clarity, mechanical strength, and reduced dehydration compared to traditional hydrogels.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (polyHEMA) hydrogels are widely used in biomaterials, notably for contact lenses.
- Traditional polyHEMA hydrogels suffer from water evaporation, wearer discomfort, and suboptimal optical/mechanical properties due to bulk polymerization.
- Heterogeneous microstructures in conventional hydrogels limit their performance and application scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize polyHEMA gels utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DES) as an alternative to water.
- To compare the properties of DES-based polyHEMA gels with traditional water-based hydrogels.
- To investigate the potential of DES-based polyHEMA for advanced biomaterial applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polyHEMA gels using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and water as control.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze monomer conversion rates.
- Mechanical testing (compression, tension) and optical transparency measurements.
- Dehydration resistance assessment.
Main Results:
- Faster HEMA monomer conversion observed in DES compared to water via FTIR analysis.
- DES-based polyHEMA gels exhibited superior transparency, toughness, conductivity, and dehydration resistance.
- Mechanical properties (compressive and tensile modulus) correlated positively with HEMA concentration.
- A 45% HEMA DES gel demonstrated excellent compression-relaxation behavior and high strain at break.
Conclusions:
- Deep eutectic solvents offer a promising alternative to water for synthesizing advanced polyHEMA hydrogels.
- DES-based polyHEMA gels present enhanced optical and mechanical properties suitable for next-generation contact lenses.
- The inherent conductivity of DES gels suggests potential applications in biosensors and other electronic biomaterials.
