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Volume 9 J Clin Exp Ophthalmol, an open access journal
ISSN: 2155-9570 Ophthalmology Summit 2018
February 26-27, 2018
February 26-27, 2018 | Berlin, Germany
19th Global Ophthalmology Summit
Antimicrobial contact lenses: Crosslinked quaternary organosilane and gelatin films
Edward Lim Jianyang
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
Background: Contact lenses are used by over 100 million people globally for various medical and non-medical applications.
However, microbial contamination of contact lenses or cases predispose wearers to adverse ocular surface complications and
can lead to vision loss or impairment. An example is microbial keratitis, affecting over 500,000 people yearly. With increasing
usage of contact lenses, there is a pressing need for antimicrobial lenses without affecting their optical transparencies and
ocular toxicity.
Purpose: To determine the antimicrobial properties and cytocompatibility of crosslinked gelatin-silane films against Gram-
positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Methods: Films were prepared by slow crosslinking of gelatin with silane containing quaternary ammonium groups. To
augment the antimicrobial spectrum of the films, tobramycin was incorporated. Gelatin films were casted on petri dishes
and allowed to air-dry, followed by exposure to ammonium carbonate for 48 hours to induce crosslinking. Antimicrobial
assessment of the films was assessed via disc diffusion method. After exposing the films to human conjunctival epithelial
cells (corneal fibroblasts) for 24 hours, cytocompatibility of the films with cells were tested by LDH and ATP assays after
which optical microscopic images were taken to determine cell morphology changes. The presence of crosslinking and surface
characterizations of films were performed via FT-IR and SEM, respectively. Strengthening of films and crosslinking were
proven via tensile strength assessments.
Results: Crosslinked films and tobramycin incorporation did not affect optical transparency. Crosslinked films showed
contact mediated inhibitory activity against bacterial strains. These properties were enhanced after incorporating tobramycin.
However, no zone of inhibition was observed for MRSA strains. Furthermore, crosslinked films featured smooth and uniform
surfaces, along with increased mechanical strength without inducing significant cytotoxicity.
Conclusion: Crosslinked gelatin-silane films with/without tobramycin display antimicrobial properties whilst preserving
optical transparency. This potentially yields prospects in the design of antimicrobial contact lenses and even clean-room
surface coverings.
Biography
Edward is a 3rd year Medical Student from Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. An ex-national Sailor who won many awards, he is now pursuing his
passion in Ophthalmology. He started with internships at well-established eye centers and is now working on contact lens-related research projects. As a new-
comer, he has shown great potential in the field of research. Recently, he emerged 1st place in a local medical university symposium and also won People’s Choice
Award for his inspiring and engaging oral presentation. Aside from juggling clinical work and research commitments, he also explores the Bio-design industry. He
recently completed a course from Singapore Stanford Biodesign and innovated to produce a device that allowed for earlier ICU mobilization to help patients enjoy
shortened length of stays.
Edward Lim Jianyang, J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018, Volume 9
DOI: 10.4172/2155-9570-C1-078