Tailoring of new polymeric biomaterials for the repair of medium-sized corneal perforations

The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymeric biomaterials can be designed such that they become suitable for surgical closure of medium- sized perforations in the cornea, the transparent tissue in the front of th e eye. Such a biomaterial must meet stringent requirements in terms of hydr ophilicity, strength, transparency, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Four different copolymers of n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and hexa(ethylene glyco l) methacrylate (HEGMA) were prepared and characterized. Poly(BMA) was made as a reference material. Physicochemical properties were measured (contact angles, glass-transition temperatures, thermal degradation. water uptake a nd swelling), and cytotoxicity in vitro was assessed with a MTT test. Moreo ver, the interaction between the materials and cultured human corneal epith elial cells was studied. The copolymers may be useful for temporary closure of corneal perforations.