A prototype antifungal contact lens

Joseph B. Ciolino, Sarah P. Hudson, Ashley N. Mobbs, Todd R. Hoare, Naomi G. Iwata, Gerald R. Fink, Daniel S. Kohane

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose. To design a contact lens to treat and prevent fungal ocular infections. Methods. Curved contact lenses were created by encapsulating econazole-impregnated poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) films in poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) by ultraviolet photopolymerization. Release studies were conducted in phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C with continuous shaking. The contact lenses and their release media were tested in an antifungal assay against Candida albicans. Cross sections of the pre- and postrelease contact lenses were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and by Raman spectroscopy. Results. Econazole-eluting contact lenses provided extended antifungal activity against Candida albicans fungi. Fungicidal activity varied in duration and effectiveness depending on the mass of the econazole-PLGA film encapsulated in the contact lens. Conclusions. An econazole-eluting contact lens could be used as a treatment for fungal ocular infections.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6286-6291
Number of pages6
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume52
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2011

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