Abstract
Purpose :
A fluorescently labelled C-reactive protein (CRP) was used to characterize a new contact lens material (NCLM) with a water gradient surface containing embedded phosphoryl choline (PC) groups. The uniformity and functionality of these groups were verified before and after 30 days of daily wear.
Methods :
PC polymers with unique biocompatibility may inhibit nonspecific protein deposition. With strong affinity binding to PC groups, CRP was used to identify these groups.
Each new contact lenses material (NCLM) with the PC containing water gradient surface was treated with Alexa 488 labelled CRP. The treated lenses were rinsed in DI water and set on glass slide for fluorescent microscope study. Full view of lenses were collected to evaluate surface coating integrity. The same treated lenses were also cross sectioned and imaged to verify coating layer uniformity. This process was repeated using NCLM after worn for 30 days of daily wear and use of OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH®.
NCLM lenses were treated with Pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) for staining the silicone bulk, followed by Alexa 488-CRP staining. Each lens was cryosectioned and microscope images collected on both CRP and PBA channels for dual fluorescent stains.
Results :
Top view new contact lenses material showed uniform coverage of the PC-containing water gradient layer. After 30 days of daily wear, the contact lens material still shows good coating layer uniformity, shown in Figure 1. In cross-section, the CRP-stained layer was visibly distinct from the PBA stained hydrophobic silicone section of the lens shown in figure 2.
Conclusions :
The in vitro and ex vivo fluorescent staining technique showed evidence of a stable PC containing water gradient layer on the NCLM. After 30 days of daily wear, excellent coating uniformity remained, indicating the integrity of the water gradient structure despite on eye wear, exposure to OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® and daily insertion, handling, rubbing, and removal.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.