Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the effect of plasma UV-induced grafting polymerization of NVP and PEGMA on the attenuation of hydrophobicity recovery of contact lens surface.
Methods :
The research study was carried out by immobilizing the contact lens surface through the use of surface coating membranes equipped with N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and Poly (oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PEGMA) solutions with different ratios having undergone post-treatment with argon (Ar) plasma. The wettability of the contact lens after argon plasma UV-induced grafting polymerization of NVP and PEGMA was investigated to confirm the long-lasting ability of the hydrophilic surface of contact lens, which was at least 120 days. In addition, physical-chemical properties and biocompatibility of the NVP-PEGMA-grafted contact lens surface were also evaluated for viability. The effect of resistance with respect to biofouling was verified by quantifying the adsorption of proteins.
Results :
Outcomes indicated that the physical-chemical properties of the contact lens were not significantly different after argon plasma UV-induced grafting polymerization of NVP and PEGMA. Biocompatibility tests such as in vitro cell viability test and ocular irritation test proved that the NVP-PEGMA grafted contact lens did not induce significant cytotoxicity.
Conclusions :
Experimental evidence indicates that it is possible to attenuate the hydrophobicity recovery on contact lens surface using plasma UV-induced grafting polymerization of NVP and PEGMA.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.