Abstract
The use of artificial cornea implants has received increasing attention for treating cornea-related diseases and vision errors due to the low side effects. To achieve long-term successful vision correction, stable and biocompatible materials of high refractive index (RI) need to be developed. Herein, we developed an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel containing well-dispersed ZnS nanoparticles (∼3 nm) covalently linked to the first polymer network, poly(2-hydroethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). The second polymer network used was poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The resultant ZnS/PHEMA/PAA IPN nanocomposite is clear and transparent at both dry and hydrated states with their RIs measured to be as high as 1.65 and 1.49, respectively. The equilibrium water content of the hydrogel nanocomposite reached 60.2% which is reasonably near to that of cornea. The material exerted minimal cytotoxicity toward primary epidermal keratinocyte cells. The high RI IPN hydrogel nanocomposite developed here might be an excellent candidate for artificial cornea implants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
