Preventing bacterial adhesion and cellular encroachment on intraocular lenses with lubricin

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in the world. However, biofouling threatens the success of these surgeries. This in vitro study investigated lubricin´s ability to modify polymer surfaces to resist biofouling, specifically bacterial colonization. This study investigated surface energy changes caused by lubricin coatings as well as lubricin´s ability to reduce bacterial proliferation. The results of this study indicated that lubricin coatings were able to increase the hydrophilicity of poly (methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses. This study also indicated that lubricin was able to reduce Staphylococcus aureus proliferation. In summary, this study indicates that lubricin surface treatments may be a viable means to prevent biofouling.