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Mechanically Enhanced Soft Contact Lenses from Photodimerization Cross-Linking
Heung-Gi Yeo1, Jin-Hee Noh1,2, Jineun Lee1
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, 1370 Sankyuk-dong, Buk-ku, Deagu 702-701, Korea.
ACS Omega
|September 25, 2023
Summary
New soft contact lenses utilize cinnamate group photodimerization for enhanced shape stability and mechanical strength. This UV-curing method improves lens durability and reduces tearability compared to traditional cross-linking agents.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmic Materials
Background:
- Soft contact lenses require robust mechanical properties and shape retention.
- Conventional cross-linking agents can limit material performance and biocompatibility.
- Photodimerization offers a novel cross-linking mechanism for advanced material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel acrylic monomers containing a cinnamate group.
- To develop soft contact lenses using a photodimerization cross-linking strategy.
- To evaluate the properties of lenses prepared via this new method.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of three novel acrylic monomers with cinnamate functionality.
- Bulk polymerization of monomers with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA).
- Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV spectral analysis for reaction confirmation.
- Mechanical testing and water contact angle measurements of polymerized lenses.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and incorporation of cinnamate monomers into soft contact lenses.
- UV irradiation induced photodimerization of cinnamate groups, acting as a cross-linker.
- Resulting lenses exhibited superior shape stability in a hydrated state and improved mechanical properties.
- Slightly reduced water content and lower water contact angles were observed.
- Enhanced resistance to tearing was demonstrated compared to conventional lenses.
Conclusions:
- Photodimerization of cinnamate groups provides an effective cross-linking method for soft contact lenses.
- This novel approach significantly enhances mechanical properties and shape stability.
- The method offers a promising alternative to traditional cross-linking agents for improved lens performance and reduced tearability.
