Surface modification of model hydrogel contact lenses with hyaluronic acid

Surface modification of model hydrogel contact lenses with hyaluronic acid via thiol-ene "click" chemistry for enhancing surface characteristics.

Article specifications

This clinical trial was published in 2017 in Journal of J Biomater Appl. (IF 2014:2.109) by American and Canadian specialists. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces grafted with a hydrophilic layer of hyaluronic acid are described. The immobilization reaction involved the covalent attachment of thiolated hyaluronic acid (20 kDa) on acrylated poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) via nucleophile-initiated Michael addition thiol-ene "click" chemistry.

 

Results

In vitro testing also showed excellent viability of human corneal epithelial cells with the hyaluronic acid-grafted poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces. Hence, surface modification with hyaluronic acid via thiol-ene "click" chemistry could be useful in improving contact lens surface properties, potentially alleviating symptoms of contact lens related dryness and discomfort during wear.