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Study shows potential of molecular imprinting for drug-eluting contacts
 Alex Hui |
BOSTON — "Molecular imprinting strategies can be successfully used to extend the release time of ciprofloxacin from model contact lens material," a researcher reported here at Academy 2011 Boston.
Alex Hui, OD, of the Centre for Contact Lens Research, University of Waterloo, and colleagues evaluated the use of novel silicone hydrogel materials created using molecular imprinting for the extended release of ciprofloxacin.
"The idea to use contact lenses as a method of drug delivery is not new," Dr. Hui reported at an academy-sponsored press conference. "There's the potential for these lenses to act as reservoirs. However, with old materials it was difficult to wear lenses for a long period of time. The challenge now is how we can use the new silicone hydrogels effectively."
Dr. Hui and colleagues created several different types of materials to imprint with ciprofloxacin.
"When we load up these materials, if you monitor the concentration over time, over 24 hours there is a little bit more release coming out of these materials vs. control," Dr. Hui said. "We see an increase over a number of days."
According to the study abstract, the effect of imprinting was most pronounced at lower concentrations.
"One of the things about imprinting is when you load lower concentrations you can really see the effect of the concentration," he said.
The study concluded that molecular imprinting techniques can be used to slow and control the amount of drug released.
"Imprinting strategies can be successfully used to extend release time of ciprofloxacin from model contact lens materials," Dr. Hui said. "Further refinements are needed to tailor the release."