Biocompatibility of poloxamer hydrogel as an injectable intraocular lens: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To induce irreversible gelation of poloxamer, a thermosensitive polymer hydrogel, by using a photoinitiator and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and to verify the biocompatibility and use of poloxamer as an injectable intraocular lens (IOL) material.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.


METHODS
In 10 rabbits, endocapsular phacoemulsification was performed and a poloxamer-photoinitiator mixture was injected into the capsular bag through a small capsulorhexis site. In 1 eye, the capsulorhexis site was closed with a small plug and the entire eye was irradiated with UV light for 5 minutes. Postoperatively, poloxamer transparency and effect on the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina were observed.


RESULTS
A mixture comprising 25% poloxamer and 0.01% photoinitiator produced a poloxamer that remained transparent in the lens capsule for up to 6 months. No inflammatory response or toxicity was observed in the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, or retina.


CONCLUSIONS
Poloxamer is a potentially suitable material for an injectable IOL. Further study is needed.
Kwon
Ji Won
JW
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.
Han
Young Keun
YK
Lee
Woo Jin
WJ
Cho
Chong Su
CS
Paik
Seung Joon
SJ
Cho
Dong Il
DI
Lee
Jin Hak
JH
Wee
Won Ryang
WR
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D007267:Injections; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020442:Poloxamer; D011407:Propane / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D011817:Rabbits
C499598:2-hydroxy-1-(4-(hydroxyethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanone; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020442:Poloxamer; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011407:Propane