Biomacromolecules 2000, 1, 418-423
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Tailoring of New Polymeric Biomaterials for the Repair of Medium-Sized Corneal Perforations Monique J. Bruining,† Harriet G. T. Blaauwgeers,‡ Roel Kuijer,† Frans H. M. Jongsma,‡ John de Brabander,‡ Rudy M. M. A. Nuijts,‡ and Leo H. Koole*,† Center for Biomaterials Research, University of Maastricht, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; and the Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands Received February 25, 2000; Revised Manuscript Received May 15, 2000
The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymeric biomaterials can be designed such that they become suitable for surgical closure of medium-sized perforations in the cornea, the transparent tissue in the front of the eye. Such a biomaterial must meet stringent requirements in terms of hydrophilicity, strength, transparency, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Four different copolymers of n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and hexa(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (HEGMA) were prepared and characterized. Poly(BMA) was made as a reference material. Physicochemical properties were measured (contact angles, glass-transition temperatures, thermal degradation, water uptake and swelling), and cytotoxicity in vitro was assessed with a MTT test. Moreover, the interaction between the materials and cultured human corneal epithelial cells was studied. The copolymers may be useful for temporary closure of corneal perforations. Introduction Corneal perforations, which may result from diseases such as corneal melting and corneal ulceration, or from injury, can lead to poor vision or even blindness.1-3 Different techniques are available to treat corneal perforations.4-7 Small perforations (
