The effect of serum proteins on dynamic interfacial properties of silicone oils in vitrectomized eyes

Irene Nepita,Libero Liggieri,Jan O Pralits,Francesca Ravera,Rodolfo Repetto,Eva Santini,Mario R Romano

doi:10.35119/maio.v2i2.72

Abstract

The formation and stability of emulsions in vitrectomized eyes is linked to the properties of the silicone oil-aqueous humor interface, in particular the surface tension. In the presence of natural surfactants, such as serum and plasma, the value of the surface tension is likely to change, but little quantitative information is presently available.To this end, we perform accurate experiments measuring the interfacialproperties of the Siluron 1000 (Fluoron GmbH, Ulm, Germany) silicone oil with an aqueous solution in the presence of endogenous-like proteins. It is found that the surface tension is significantly reduced when physiologically realistic concentrations are used. Moreover, the values obtained for the dilational viscoelastic modulus are compatible with the formation of stable emulsions.

Highlights

High-viscosity silicone oils (SO) are used in ophthalmology in a variety surgical procedures involving vitrectomy
The main complication associated with the use of SOs after vitrectomy is the tendency of the oil to emulsify in the aqueous solution produced in the eye, causing several postsurgical complications from moderate to serious
The few available studies did not address the effects of these proteins on the key chemico-physical properties of the interface that are involved in the emulsion formation and stability

Summary

Introduction

High-viscosity silicone oils (SO) are used in ophthalmology in a variety surgical procedures involving vitrectomy. This is the second most frequent surgical inter-. The blood proteins produced by inflammatory processes have been identified as one of the co-factors responsible for the emulsification.[1,2,3] so far, the few available studies did not address the effects of these proteins on the key chemico-physical properties of the interface that are involved in the emulsion formation and stability. The present work is aimed at evaluating and characterizing the effects on the properties of the interface between SO and surfactant biomolecule aqueous solutions responsible for emulsification

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Results

Conclusion