Development of biocompatible poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co- acrylic acid) hydrogels as keratoprosthetic biomaterials

2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Materials Science & Engineering

October 07-09, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Jui-Yang Lai

Accepted Abstracts: J Material Sci

Abstract :

Progress in biomaterial science has greatly contributed to the development of keratoprosthesis. In order to eliminate the risk of endothelial rejection associated with corneal transplantation, our group has designed a functional keratoprosthetic hydrogel composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylic acid (AAc). Given that the characterizations of corneal cellular and tissue responses to hydrogel materials are critical to their potential ophthalmic applications, here we aimed to investigate the relationship between the feed composition of HEMA/AAc and material compatibility towards cornea. Results of electrokinetic measurements showed that an increase in absolute zeta potential of photopolymerized membranes is observed with increasing the volume ratios of AAc/HEMA. Following 4 days of incubation with various hydrogels, the primary rabbit corneal cell cultures were examined for viability, proliferation, and pro-inflammatory gene expression. In addition, the 7-mm-diameter membrane implants made from photopolymerized materials were placed into the ocular anterior chamber for 4 days and assessed by biomicroscopic examinations, corneal thickness measurements, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses. The hydrogel samples prepared from the solution mixture containing 0-10 vol % AAc displayed good cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. However, higher anionic charge density of materials may lead to abnormal transmembrane transport of ions. It is concluded that the chemical composition of HEMA/AAc has an important influence on the corneal cellular and tissue responses to keratoprosthetic biomaterials.

Biography :

Jui-Yang Lai obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2006 from the National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Currently, he is working as an Associate Professor of Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taiwan. Dr. Lai?s primary research activities are centered on the development of functional biomaterials for ophthalmic use, particularly on tissue engineering and drug delivery. He has published 4 book chapters and 46 international peer review journal papers. Dr. Lai also serves as an editorial board member for 17 international journals and a peer reviewer for 38 international journals.