title: Biocompatibility of poloxamer hydrogel as an injectable intraocular lens: a pilot study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Young Keun
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Woo Jin
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Chong Su
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Seung Joon
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Paik
authors.forename: Dong Il
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jin Hak
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Won Ryang
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Wee
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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