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Abstract: Molecular imprinted hydrogels are a widely investigated means to achieve drug delivery. Much research has been done regarding the drug delivery capabilities, while much less is known about what the drug delivery process does to the hydrogel itself. We designed molecular imprinted hydrogels to mimic contact lenses for ocular drug delivery. We tested the gels to determine the longevity of use and determine if the process of delivering a drug alters the hydrogel matrix, and subsequently the drug delivery capabilities. We cycled our gels to replicate the daily use process and dehydrated them for testing. Fracture testing was performed to analyze the long term strength of each gel, and differential scanning calorimetry was done to determine any chemical deterioration due to mechanical swelling. SEM imaging was performed to visualize any microstructure alteration, and clinical aberration measurements were taken to determine any change in the index of refraction or creation of light scattering centers. Testing illustrated a long term use of no deterioration for more than 15,000 uses, with no breakdown or optical variations.
Author keywords: molecular imprinting, drug delivery, hydrogel