2024 | María Puertas-Bartolomé, Izabook Gutiérrez-Urrutia, Lara Luana Teruel-Enrico, Cao Nguyen Duong, Krupansh Desai, Sara Trujillo, Christoph Wittmann, and Aránzazu del Campo*
The paper presents a novel approach to improve the lubrication properties of contact lenses (CLs) by embedding biofactories that produce and release hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural lubricant. The biofactories are contained within a hydrogel matrix, which regulates their growth and HA production, ensuring sustained lubrication for at least three weeks. The hydrogel's composition and crosslinking control the diffusion rate of HA and nutrients, maintaining the lens' comfort and reducing friction. The design includes a functional ring at the lens periphery, outside the vision area, where the biofactories are embedded. The hydrogel is cytocompatible and can be fabricated using current CL manufacturing processes. The study demonstrates that the self-lubricating CL prototype can provide sustained HA delivery, potentially reducing the need for frequent eye drops and improving long-term wear comfort.The paper presents a novel approach to improve the lubrication properties of contact lenses (CLs) by embedding biofactories that produce and release hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural lubricant. The biofactories are contained within a hydrogel matrix, which regulates their growth and HA production, ensuring sustained lubrication for at least three weeks. The hydrogel's composition and crosslinking control the diffusion rate of HA and nutrients, maintaining the lens' comfort and reducing friction. The design includes a functional ring at the lens periphery, outside the vision area, where the biofactories are embedded. The hydrogel is cytocompatible and can be fabricated using current CL manufacturing processes. The study demonstrates that the self-lubricating CL prototype can provide sustained HA delivery, potentially reducing the need for frequent eye drops and improving long-term wear comfort.