Article
Ophthalmology
Negar Babaei Omali, Lakshman. N. Subbaraman, Miriam Heynen, Mark Lada, Kristy Canavan, Zohra Fadli, William Ngo, Lyndon Jones
Summary: Lipid deposition was significantly higher in the asymptomatic group compared to symptomatic wearers. Cholesteryl ester deposition was found to be the highest among all lipid types. Although the measured lipid levels are considered low for clinical deposition, they may impact other clinical outcomes such as comfort.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dongkai Zhu, Yangping Liu, Jeremy L. Gilbert
Summary: Adhesion properties of silicone hydrogel contact lenses are crucial for their performance and comfort in the eye. This study developed a new testing method to study adhesive interactions of different silicone contact lenses under dehydrating conditions, highlighting the importance of hydration state on adhesion.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Nguyen-Phuong-Dung Tran, Ming-Chien Yang, Phuong Lan Tran-Nguyen
Summary: Silicone hydrogel lenses were prepared by copolymerizing PDMS-PEGMA macromer (PGP) with various substances, showing higher water uptake ability and oxygen permeability. They also exhibited good optical transparency, anti-protein deposition, and non-cytotoxicity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dandan Liu, Yipeng Zang, Ziwei Hu, Chenrui Yu, Zhenxing Han, Mengmeng Wang, Maodong Xu, Xiaofeng Zhao, Wenjin Yue, Guangjun Nie
Summary: KH-570@HEMA hydrogel was synthesized to balance vision correction and drug sustained release in drug-loaded soft contact lens. The hydrogel composition was optimized using conditional maximum method, achieving high transmittance, oxygen permeability and wettability. Molecular imprinting technique improved the loading capacity and release time, potentially solving the issue of drug-loaded SCLs.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Micael Alves, Elisabete M. S. Castanheira, Madalena Lira
Summary: The study found that contact lens materials and lens care solutions underwent mutual changes after storage, likely linked to biochemical and biophysical interactions between components and the release of some polymer compounds. These findings offer valuable insights into the interaction between CL materials and LCS in clinical settings.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Nguyen-Phuong-Dung Tran, Ming-Chien Yang, Nur Hasanah, Phuong Lan Tran-Nguyen
Summary: Silicone hydrogels were synthesized via photoinitiated free radical polymerization, and their water content and oxygen permeability were linearly proportional to the hydrophilic PEGMA content. High PEGMA content resulted in higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, and lower contact angle.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simin Masoudi, Mark Willcox
Summary: The efficacy of extracting lipids from contact lenses varies for different lipid classes and lens materials. Differences in the amount and time of lipid desorption probably resulted from the strength of the bond between lipid and lens polymer and the depth of adsorption of lipid in the polymer.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tomasz Sulinski, Natalia Nowak, Jedrzej Szymanski, Jacek Pniewski
Summary: This paper describes the surface differences of a range of silicone-hydrogel lenses using reflectance confocal microscopy, and reveals that light reflection is correlated with material parameters such as water content and surface modulus. The proposed analysis method allows for differentiation between lenses with and without surface modifications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zahraa S. Alshaikhli, Wasan A. Hekmat
Summary: This study presents a simulation approach using mathematical equations to adjust the conic constant and shape factor of silicone hydrogel contact lenses (SHCL) in order to improve vision. The results show that wearing SHCL can reduce primary aberrations and enhance visual acuity and image quality, thus benefiting individuals with refractive errors and higher order aberrations.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Angel Sanchez-Garcia, Javier Gonzalez-Perez
Summary: The study evaluated the positioning, recovery time, and decentration of various designs of toric silicone-hydrogel contact lenses at different times. Results showed differences in performance among the lenses, with Air Optix Aqua for Astigmatism and Biofinity Toric showing better outcomes in decentration and recovery.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Deniz Ozarslan Ozcan, Sait Coskun Ozcan
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of two silicone-hydrogel contact lenses as bandages after corneal crosslinking surgery. The Lotrafilcon B lens showed significantly smaller epithelial defect sizes on post-operative Day 1 and Day 2 compared to the Balafilcon A lens. There was no significant difference in re-epithelialization time and pain levels between the two lens types.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Joanna Stachura, Patryk Mlyniuk, Waldemar Bloch, Alfonso Jimenez-Villar, Ireneusz Grulkowski, Bartlomiej J. Kaluzny
Summary: This study found that continuous wear of silicon hydrogel soft contact lenses can lead to changes in the geometry of the anterior surface of the cornea, particularly in hyperopic patients. The variations in epithelial thickness affect the higher order aberrations of the cornea.
OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Xinfeng Shi, Kyoko Fukazawa, Tetsuji Yamaoka, George Yao, James Yuliang Wu
Summary: Contact lenses are a successful application of biomaterials, and the chemical structure of the polymers used in contact lenses is crucial. Different types of contact lenses have been developed based on the chemical structure of polymers, considering factors like mechanical properties, optical properties, and compatibility. Advances in contact lens materials have addressed issues like oxygen permeability and biocompatibility, improving comfort and duration of use. Surface polymer modification has allowed for better long-term use and reuse of contact lenses.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Xinfeng Shi, David Cantu-Crouch, Vinay Sharma, John Pruitt, George Yao, Kyoko Fukazawa, James Yuliang Wu, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Summary: A silicone hydrogel contact lens material with unique chemical and physical structure was enhanced through surface modification using a bioinspired MPC polymer, resulting in improved surface characteristics such as hydrophilicity and lubricity. The hydrated MPC polymer layer on the surface led to softer surface properties and reduced friction, which are expected to contribute to excellent ocular performance.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Daniela S. Nosch, Emanuele Kaser, Alice Christen, Julia Schinzel, Roland E. Joos
Summary: This study found no significant difference in corneal sensitivity between contact lens wearers and non-wearers. However, lower levels of corneal sensitivity were observed in male contact lens wearers, warranting further investigation.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Shyam Sunder Tummanapalli, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Prateek Bahl, Chandini Raina MacIntyre, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of face masks in reducing microbial transmission in laboratory tests, with seven-layer masks being particularly effective at preventing the spread of S. aureus in various aerosol particle sizes. However, face masks become contaminated quickly during wear, suggesting that they should be replaced regularly or properly washed if they are to be reused.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theerthankar Das, Shekh Sabir, Ren Chen, Jessica Farrell, Frederik H. Kriel, Gregory S. Whiteley, Trevor O. Glasbey, Jim Manos, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar
Summary: The study found that halogenated dihydropyrrol-2-ones (DHP) compounds were able to inhibit the quorum-sensing system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing biofilm formation and virulence factor production. Halogenated DHPs showed better inhibitory effects compared to non-halogenated DHP.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Debarun Dutta, Nagaraju Konda, Pravin Krishna Vaddavalli, Savitri Sharma, Fiona Stapleton, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Mel4 antimicrobial contact lenses (MACL) on the ocular surface and comfort during extended wear. The results showed no significant differences in ocular redness, palpebral roughness, corneal staining, front surface wettability, deposits, back surface debris, comfort, dryness, CLDEQ-8 scores, or lens or edge awareness between MACL and control lenses. There was no evidence for delayed reactions on the ocular surface after cessation of lens wear.
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Muhammad Yasir, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Shyam Tummanapalli
Summary: This study evaluated the persistence of disinfection of three different hand sanitizers. The results showed that hand sanitizers containing capric acid or alcohol had better microbial inhibitory effects, which could help reduce the spread of microbes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nicole Carnt, Darwin C. Minassian, John K. G. Dart
Summary: This study aims to identify the risk factors for Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in daily disposable (DD) contact lens users compared to daily wear (DW) reusable lens users and specific risks for DD users. It is important because CL use is the main cause of microbial keratitis in many major economies, with AK accounting for approximately 50% of sight loss cases. Determining these AK risks informs practitioner advice and consumer behavior.
Article
Biology
Hari Kumar Peguda, Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Nicole A. Carnt, Zi Gu, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study assessed the anti-amoebic activity of polyhomoarginines against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. The results showed that polyhomoarginines demonstrated good anti-acanthamoeba activity against both trophozoites and cysts, and had broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This suggests that polyhomoarginines could be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rajesh Kuppusamy, Muhammad Yasir, Tsz Tin Yu, Florida Voli, Orazio Vittorio, Michael J. Miller, Peter Lewis, David StC Black, Mark Willcox, Naresh Kumar
Summary: There is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents to address the global increase in antibiotic resistance. This study focused on producing short amphiphilic antibacterial and antibiofilm agents by modifying the hydrophobic and cationic groups of anthranilamide peptidomimetics. The addition of a lysine cationic group at the tail position significantly enhanced activity against E. coli and reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These compounds demonstrated notable disruption of preformed biofilms of S. aureus at micromolar concentrations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katrina Browne, Rajesh Kuppusamy, William R. Walsh, David StC Black, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Renxun Chen
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge, and combination therapies using antibiotics and antimicrobial peptidomimetics can mitigate the development of resistance in bacteria. This strategy demonstrates synergistic activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has significant potential in clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anuja Dahal, Kamal Shrestha, Rashmi Karki, Saraswati Bhattarai, Shiva Aryal, Satish Kumar Deo, Balmukunda Regmi, Mark Willcox, Shyam Kumar Mishra
Summary: This study analyzed the antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm-forming ability of urinary tract infection strains from renal disease patients. The results showed that the most common uropathogens in renal disease patients were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp. Some antibiotics such as amikacin, meropenem, and cefoperazone-sulbactam were effective against Gram-negative bacteria, while doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline were effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, most strains were capable of forming biofilms, and 70.8% were multidrug-resistant. Therefore, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, beta-lactam combination agents, and nitrofuran group of antibiotics may be the optimal first-line empirical therapies for uropathogens in hospitalized renal disease patients. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns and the study of biofilm formation in uropathogens are important for effective management of the patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sudip Chakraborty, Georgio Katsifis, Iman Roohani, Cyrille Boyer, David McKenzie, Mark D. P. Willcox, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficacy of an antibacterial polymer as a coating material for hydroxyapatite and glass surfaces, which are widely used in orthopedics and biomedical sciences. Both physical and covalent attachment modes of the polymer to the material surfaces were explored. The modified surfaces showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and the activity persisted for a prolonged period on the covalently modified materials' surfaces.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Floriana Cappiello, Sudhir Verma, Xiao Lin, Isabel Y. Moreno, Bruno Casciaro, Debarun Dutta, Alison M. McDermott, Mark Willcox, Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: The corneal epithelium is essential for both vision and immune defense. Corneal abrasion can lead to severe eye infections, but recent research has discovered peptides that not only treat keratitis but also promote corneal wound healing, which could have potential clinical applications.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shakeel Shahzad, Mark D. P. Willcox, Binod Rayamajhee
Summary: The global rise in antibiotic resistance in bacteria has become a major challenge in treating infectious diseases. This literature review aims to decipher the evolving mechanisms of resistance to polymyxins among clinically significant pathogens. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop suitable methods for detecting polymyxin resistance determinants and the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Umme Laila Urmi, Samuel Attard, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Salequl Islam, Rajesh Kuppusamy
Summary: The development of potent antiviral agents is crucial for combating viral infections worldwide. In this study, the antiviral potential of 17 peptidomimetic compounds was evaluated against MHV-1 and HSV-1. Compounds 11 and 14 showed the most potent inhibitory effects, and they were found to directly influence the viral envelope. These findings suggest that peptidomimetic compounds could offer a new approach for the development of potent antiviral agents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeyu Shao, Karen Hakobyan, Jiangtao Xu, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar, Mark Willcox, Edgar H. H. Wong
Summary: This study reports the development of a smart antimicrobial polymer that can be activated under UV light to exhibit antimicrobial activity. The polymer showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as the ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and kill biofilms. Furthermore, the polymer effectively killed cancer cells, demonstrating its potential in cancer therapy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Irenie Ekkeshis, Melanie Mason, Martin Watson, Bryony Rowan, Nicole Carnt
Summary: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but severe eye disease. The lack of credible information about AK and the need for practical day to day management strategies were identified through a research engagement event. A revised AK Patient Leaflet was created and has been widely used.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE
(2022)