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Small Antibacterial Molecule-Embedded Starch and Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Material for Potential Contact Lens
Raghav Poudel1, Sanghamitra Das1, Kalyan Dutta1
1Medicinal Chemistry and Biomaterial Laboratory (MCBL), Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur, Assam 784028, India.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a sustainable biobased contact lens material from starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This biodegradable material offers antimicrobial properties and excellent physical characteristics, presenting a safe alternative for disposable contact lenses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Conventional synthetic contact lenses face limitations including non-biodegradability and infection risks.
- There is a growing need for sustainable and biocompatible alternatives in contact lens materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel biobased contact lens material from starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).
- To incorporate antimicrobial functionality and evaluate the material's suitability for contact lens applications.
Main Methods:
- Starch and CMC were cross-linked using citric acid.
- A lysine-based small antibacterial molecule (LSAM) was integrated for antimicrobial properties.
- Material characterization included mechanical strength, optical transparency, wettability, and moldability tests.
Main Results:
- The fabricated material exhibited high mechanical strength (~20 MPa), optical transparency (~90%), and suitable surface wettability (<50° contact angle).
- Sustained release of LSAM demonstrated prolonged antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- The material proved non-toxic to mammalian cells and fully biodegradable within 30 days in soil burial tests.
Conclusions:
- The developed biobased material shows significant potential as a sustainable, safe, and effective alternative for disposable contact lenses.
- The combination of desirable physical properties, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability addresses key limitations of current synthetic materials.
