Biphasic Hydrogels

These materials were developed by CIBA Vision and research partners to simultaneously allow the passage of water and very high oxygen permeability to the cornea for continuous (30 day) wear contact lenses. The polymers contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic phases which form a continuous path through the polymer.

Release studies showed that these materials have release characteristics similar to pHEMA hydrogels with marker molecules such as bromopyrogallol red (MW 558) and sodium fluorescien (MW 376). Tested with broad spectrum antibiotics, chloramphenicol (MW 323) and rifampicin (MW 823), the materials have an uptake capacity higher than pHEMA and a longer release profile. The materials appear to show preference for higher molecular weight molecules with some lipophilic character.

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