Synthesis and Characterization of Monosaccharide-Containing 2-(α-D-mannopyranosyloxy)Ethyl Methacrylate as a Surface Modifier for Hydrogels

Abstract

We introduce a hydrophilic monosaccharide-containing 2-(α-D-mannopyranosyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (ManEMA) in this study to achieve more extended and comfortable wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses by increasing water content. Molecular structure of ManEMA contains a monosaccharide moiety with four hydroxyl groups, which provide a strong interaction with water. Therefore, the ManEMA-containing hydrogels are expected to have high water content. The structure of synthesized ManEMA is confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Contact lenses containing silicone polymers are coated with a monosaccharide-containingManEMA monomer with the help of plasma treatment and the use of 3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl methacrylate to provide an increased hydrophilicity. The feasibility of ManEMA as a surface modifier of silicone lenses is investigated in terms of water content and surface energy.