POLY (2-METHYL-2-OXAZOLINE) (PMOXA) AND ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE GKH17 AS POTENTIAL ANTIMICROBIAL COATINGS FOR CONTACT LENSES

Abstract

Microbial contamination on contact lens surfaces can occur during handling, storage, and even cleaning with contaminated solutions. Several severe consequences of this event include microbial keratitis, contact lens-induced peripheral ulcer, and inflitrative keratitis. In this study we used SiO₂ as a model substrate for silicon-based contact lenses. The antimicrobial activities of two polymers, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) and antimicrobial peptide GKHKNKGKKNGKHNGWK (GKH17), on surfaces, were tested against two types of bacteria, Gram-positive Staphlyococcus sp. and Gram-negative Neisseria sp., isolated from used contact lenses. The inhibition activity of the polymers was first tested using the Kirby-Bauer method, and the properties of the polymers immobilized on SiO2 surface were investigated by means of viable plate count and DNA absorbance measurements. Our results show that both types of bacteria are susceptible to both PMOXA and GKH17, however with a different degree of susceptibility. Both polymers are thus potential antimicrobial coatings for contact lenses.