New Functional Polymers for Next Generation Contact Lenses - a Phase I Project

该提案旨在开发一种生产下一代水凝胶隐形眼镜的新技术。目前的隐形眼镜产品存在不同的缺点，比如泪膜蛋白质沉积过多、润滑不良或水分潴留不足，这会造成不适和眼睛刺激。目前的技术集中在其中的一个或两个问题上，但从来没有同时解决这三个问题。我们建议在形成透镜的水凝胶网络中加入一种具有超润滑剂、超防污剂和高水合性的聚合物。在单一聚合物中结合这些特性，可以形成水凝胶网络，具有很强的抗蛋白质吸附能力、长时间高保水性和超润滑性能。本一期项目将评估聚合物添加剂对模型角膜组织的毒性、灭菌过程中的稳定性以及在晶状体中的停留时间。这些结果将使我们能够说服对当前技术表现出兴趣的工业合作伙伴，进一步支持将该技术转化为商业产品。

This proposal aims to develop a novel technology for producing the next generation of hydrogel-based contact lenses. Current contact lenses products suffer from different drawbacks such as extensive lachrymal proteins deposition, poor lubrication or low hydration retention which creates discomfort and eye irritation. Current technologies have been focused on one or two of these issues but never on all three simultaneously. We propose the incorporate in the hydrogel network forming the lens a polymer that has the unique attribute of being superlubricant and super antifouling agent and highly hydrated. The combination of these properties in a single polymer allows to formulate hydrogel networks that present very strong resistance to protein adsorption and high water retention over long period of time and superlubrication properties. This phase I project will evaluate the toxicity of the polymer additive on model corneal tissues, its stability during sterilization and finally its residence time in the lens. These results will allow us to convince industrial partners who have manifested their interest in the present technology to further support its translation of this technology into a commercial product.