In this study, the surfaces of two gold nanoparticles of different shapes were modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and used for contact lenses. The polymer was based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and spherical and sea urchin-shaped gold nanoparticles were used as additives. CTAB was used to modify the surface of the sea urchin-shaped gold nanoparticles. To analyze the physical properties of the prepared contact lens, optical transmittance, refractive index, water content, contact angle, and atomic force microscope (AFM) were measured and evaluated. The results showed the nanoparticles did not significantly affect optical transmittance, refractive index, or water content of the lens, and tensile strength increased according to the ratio of the additive. The addition of the sea urchin-shaped nanoparticles resulted in lower wettability compared with the spherical nanoparticles, but somewhat superior tensile strength. In addition, it was found that the wettability of the lens was improved when the surface-modified sea urchin-shaped gold nanoparticles were added. The types of gold nanoparticles and surface modification methods used in this study are considered to have great potential for use in ophthalmic materials.

Abstract Purpose : In this study, α-Lipoic acid and pyridine were added to hydrogel materials and silicone hydrogel materials, respectively, to manufacture contact lens to evaluate changes in physical properties. Methods : N,N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMA), 2,2'-Azobis (2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN), an initiator, and Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), crosslinking agent, were used basic mixing ratio, and hydrogel materials were prepared by thermopolymerization at 100°C for 1 hour based on 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Silicone hydrogel materials were prepared by thermopolymerization at 130°C for 2 hours based on Silicone monomer (SID). The properties of contact lenses were evaluated by adding 0.05% of 3-hydroxypyridine N-oxide and (R)-(+)-α-Lipoic acid by ratio to each material. Results : A lens manufactured by adding alpha lipoic acid to silicone hydrogel materials showed a tendency to increase wettability and decrease refractive index. A lens manufactured by adding pyridine to silicone hydrogel materials showed UV-A blocking ability, and the refractive index tended to increase. In addition, a contact lens manufactured by adding alpha lipoic acid and pyridine together showed antimicrobial properties, reduced surface roughness, and increased wettability and oxygen permeability according to the ratio of alpha lipoic acid addition. Conclusion : It is judged that alpha lipoic acid and pyridine are expected to improve wettability and oxygen permeability of the lens and to be used as contact lens materials with antibacterial properties. Key words : Alpha lipoic acid, Antimicrobial, Oxygen permeability, Pyridine, Wettability