Mucin Coatings Prevent Tissue Damage at the Cornea–Contact Lens Interface. Issue 19 (25th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winkeljann, Benjamin; Boettcher, Kathrin; Balzer, Bizan N.; Lieleg, Oliver
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 4:Issue 19(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-07-25
• Subjects: cornea -- dry eye -- lubrication -- surface modification -- tribology; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201700186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: With a prevalence of more than 10%, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (commonly known as dry eye syndrome) is one of the most frequent forms of ocular diseases; among contact lens wearers, this condition occurs even more often. Key components of the protective tear film are mucins, large glycoproteins that serve as molecular lubricants on many epithelial body surfaces. It is likely that, in the absence of a proper mucinous lubrication layer on the cornea surface, increased friction and tissue damage induced by contact lens sliding lead to discomfort. Herein, it is shown that purified gastric mucins efficiently prevent damage on the cornea, when they are used as a solution for cornea lubrication or as a molecular layer for contact lens coating. Furthermore, these results suggest that such a mucin coating also improves the performance of state‐of‐the‐art hydrogel lenses, which are designed to provide an auto‐lubrication mechanism upon contact with the eye. Thus, eye drops or contact lens storage solutions containing purified gastric mucins could be a great tool in fighting ocular dryness. Abstract : Purified porcine gastric mucins are used as a solution for cornea lubrication or as a molecular layer for contact lens coating. It is shown that these mucins prevent wear formation on corneal tissue probed with a rotating contact lens. The results suggest that purified mucins might be utilized to fight ocular dryness among contact lens wearers.