Impact of fibronectin on surface properties of intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
Physical properties of intraocular lens (IOL) surfaces determine biocompatibility. IOL hydrophobicity of commercially available IOLs with and without fibronectin (FN) coating can be determined by surface contact angle (SCA) measurements. SCA data of IOLs may allow for a rational selection of an IOL type as a function of underlying eye disease.


METHODS
University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg (Saar), Germany


METHODS
Thirteen IOL types were tested. IOLs were made of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), acrylate, or silicone. Select IOLs were surface modified by the manufacturer with heparin or a polysaccharide coating. SCA values of IOLs, either uncoated or precoated with FN, were determined using the sessile water drop method.


RESULTS
SCA values ranged from 61.3 to 116.1 degrees for unmodified IOLs, with PMMA IOLs being more hydrophilic (median SCA, 74.1 degrees ), silicone IOLs more hydrophobic (median SCA, 113.3 degrees ), and acrylate IOLs intermediate (median SCA, 86.6 degrees ). Upon FN coating, all genuine acrylate lenses became significantly more hydrophilic while this effect was either nonsignificant or opposite on some PMMA and silicon IOLs. Heparin or polysaccharide surface modification resulted in significantly reduced SCA values. On acrylate IOLs, SCA values did not correlate with the aqueous content of the material.


CONCLUSIONS
This study associates IOL materials, surface modifications, and the role of FN preadsorption with SCA values reflecting surface hydrophobicity versus hydrophilicity. It provides a rationale for specific IOL selection as a function of the clinical setting, and a basis for IOL development using tailored surface physicochemistry to enhance biocompatibility and to reduce susceptibility to implant infection.
Schroeder
Andreas C
AC
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Saarland Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany. iol@arcor.de
Lingenfelder
Christian
C
Seitz
Berthold
B
Grabowy
Udo
U
W Spraul
Christoph
C
Gatzioufas
Zisis
Z
Herrmann
Mathias
M
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000327:Adsorption; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005353:Fibronectins; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012828:Silicones; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005353:Fibronectins; D012828:Silicones; D014867:Water; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate