Structural Color Contact Lenses from Cholesteric Cellulose Liquid Crystals

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Conventional colored contact lenses use chemical dyes, risking pigment detachment and corneal damage.
• There is a need for safer, aesthetically pleasing contact lenses with therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel cellulose-based structural color contact lenses (SCCLs) with enhanced aesthetics and antimicrobial properties.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of SCCLs in treating bacterial keratitis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of SCCLs using methacrylate-functionalized hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPCMA) self-assembled into a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layer.
• Incorporation of antimicrobial peptides into the CLC layer using multistep polymerization techniques.
• In vivo evaluation of SCCLs in an animal model for bacterial keratitis treatment.

Main Results:

• SCCLs exhibit vibrant, stable colors due to the CLC structure.
• The lenses demonstrated good biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
• In vivo studies showed promising therapeutic effects of SCCLs in treating bacterial keratitis.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose-based SCCLs offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional colored contact lenses.
• These novel lenses hold potential for advancements in ocular medical devices, providing both cosmetic enhancement and antibacterial protection.