Mpc/Zn Hybrid Surface Modification Strategy To Suppress Late Cataract Side Effects Of Pdms Intraocular Lenses

Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard treatment. However, postoperative complications such as posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and infection remain major concerns, primarily due to insufficient surface biocompatibility of IOLs and subsequent inflammatory responses. This study aimed to develop a novel surface modification strategy to reduce foreign body reactions and inflammation, thereby improving the long-term stability of IOLs.

Pusan Naiontal university Yangsan Hospital 

A PDMS-based silicone IOL was fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The surface was zinc (Zn)-modified via sputtering-based plasma immersion ion implantation (S-PIII), followed by chemical immobilization of a biomimetic polymer, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), to create a hybrid surface with enhanced mechanical stability and optical transparency. Anti-inflammatory properties and biocompatibility were evaluated by analyzing cellular responses of lens epithelial cells and macrophages. In vivo performance was assessed by implanting the modified IOLs into rabbit eyes and evaluating tissue responses after four weeks.

The MPC/Zn hybrid surface significantly improved surface hydrophilicity while maintaining mechanical stability under both dry and wet conditions. In vitro results demonstrated that the synergistic effects of MPC and Zn effectively suppressed the adhesion and proliferation of lens epithelial cells and macrophages. In vivo experiments showed a significant reduction in foreign body reactions and inflammatory responses after four weeks.

The proposed MPC immobilization and Zn implantation-based hybrid surface modification strategy enhances biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties of PDMS IOLs, demonstrating potential as a clinically applicable approach for reducing postoperative complications such as PCO.