Characterization of Ocular Biomaterial Uptake & Release

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Biomaterials are materials that come into close contact with living biological cells or fluids. Some of the best examples of biomaterials include heart valves, blood vessels, artificial joint replacements, breast implants, intraocular lens implants (for use following cataract surgery), and contact lenses, of which the latter two are among the most widely used. Over 140 million people worldwide wear contact lenses, of which 90% use soft, hydrogel lenses, which are typically replaced after being used for 1 day to 1 month. In Canada alone, the 3 million wearers of lenses use approximately 30 million new soft lenses annually. These materials come into direct contact with the tear film on the surface of the eye, which is a highly complex fluid containing a wide variety of proteins, oils, metabolites and electrolytes. Once exposed to the tear film, these contact lens materials take up various components from it, some of which may induce inflammatory responses. Once removed, reusable lenses are placed in contact lens solutions that are also complex in their chemistry. These chemicals can be soaked up by the lens and released onto the eye when next inserted. Some of these chemicals can be damaging to the eye and induce low-grade inflammatory responses. Finally, bacteria from the fingers, soaking case or eye itself can also be taken up by the lens. This grant will continue my work in developing an enhanced understanding of the interactions that occur between soft lens materials and the tear film, contact lens solutions and bacteria. It will use a wide variety of cutting-edge laboratory techniques, with a specific emphasis of trying to better understand contact lens-induced inflammation. Our latest work would suggest that certain tear film proteins are “protective” and are able to reduce bacterial contamination of the lenses. Other recent studies have shown that certain proteins change in configuration when exposed to lens materials and this new “form” may induce an inflammatory response. Thus, it may transpire that contact lens materials should be developed that encourage the deposition of certain tear film components and discourage others. This work will include examination of both commercial materials and also include “model” materials that we will fabricate internally that are not yet commercialised, to provide basic information on the ways that soft materials can be developed that exhibit improved performance. Obtaining a greater understanding of the interactions that occur between contact lens materials, solutions and bacteria will help with the development of next generation contact lens materials and other ocular biomaterials. The results will provide excellent training for Canadian students in an area that provides great potential for employment, and will lead to better contact lens materials for the 3 million Canadians who wear contacts.