Analysis and evaluation of the ionic interaction of the novel soft contact lenses using the zwitterionic polymer gel

Abstract In the zwitterionic polymer gel which has cationic and anionic groups inside, it forms a complex to producing stability by adding thermal energy. We reported the behavior induced by the ionic interaction of them and the impact that a nonionic surfactant could exert on the complex formation. We had heating experiments of the zwitterionic polymer gel in PBS with a nonionic surfactant added. We analyzed DSC and measured the diameter, stress and flexure of heated the gel. As the result, it has been demonstrated that formation of strong ionic interactions inside the gel can be achieved by heating them in a solution containing the nonionic surfactant. It has been also demonstrated that the ratio of bound water is increased within the gel, promising an enhanced strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009