Effect of surface coating an acrylic intraocular lens with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) polymer on lens epithelial cell line behavior

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of surface coating of an acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (MPC) on the behavior of the lens epithelial cell (LEC) line, α-TN4. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. Methods: A hydrophobic soft acrylic IOL (AF-1, Hoya) was coated with MPC polymer. A noncoated IOL served as control. An IOL from each group was placed on the membrane of collagen I or IV of the cell culture dish. The α-TN4 cells were seeded in the insert. Cell behaviors (ie, cell proliferation and spreading) on IOLs and membranes were observed. Cell migration beneath the IOL optic portion was assayed using a computer software program (POCOman system) for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Type I or IV collagen is the major matrix component of PCO or native lens capsule. Results: Cell proliferation was more marked on the noncoated IOL than on the coated IOL. Type IV collagen accelerated proliferation more than type I collagen. Cell migration to the area beneath the IOL optic was more prominent in the group with the type I collagen membrane and noncoated IOL than in other groups. Conclusion: Coating an acrylic IOL surface with MPC polymer suppressed adhesion and proliferation of LECs, suggesting it improves IOL biocompatibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]