Industry News
Researchers Develop Contact Lens Drug Delivery System
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a groundbreaking hydrogel technology that could transform how eye medications are delivered, potentially making prescription drug administration as simple as wearing a contact lens.
The interdisciplinary research team, combining expertise from the Department of Chemistry and the School of Optometry and Vision Science, has created a unique silicone-based hydrogel that can be 3D printed directly onto contact lenses. This innovative approach offers a more convenient and efficient alternative to traditional eye drop treatments.
The novel hydrogel stands out for its remarkable properties. Unlike conventional silicone materials that are challenging to 3D print, this new formulation attracts water easily and can be cured using UV light. The resulting gel is flexible and durable, maintaining its shape even after being stretched and compressed.
“Once we knew the hydrogel had good strength and flexibility, we decided to test its ability to hold and release drugs by using amoxicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for ailments related to the eye,” said Shirley Tang, a key researcher on the project and professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Dean, Research in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo.
“This concept is much more efficient and easier to comply with than using eye drops, which are often difficult to insert for patients and need frequent administration over the day,” said Lyndon Jones, a Waterloo professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science and director of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education.
“After being encapsulated in the gel and stored for a month, the amoxicillin was found to have negligible changes,” said Sayan Ganguly, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Chemistry. “Our results showed that this hydrogel is safe for human eyes and can be effectively used in diverse biomedical applications.”
With a patent already filed, the researchers want to expand the potential of contact lens-based drug delivery. The technology could revolutionise treatment for various eye conditions, offering patients a more convenient and consistent medication administration method.
The complete research has been published in ACS Applied Bio Materials marking an important step forward in pharmaceutical delivery technology.