Adhesion of Transferrin to FDA Group I and Group IV Contact Lenses

Adhesion of Transferrin to FDA Group I and Group IV Contact Lenses

Miniaci Performing Arts Center

The adhesion of tear proteins to contact lenses contributes to lens deterioration and ocular pathology. Tears contain a number of proteins, among them being lysozyme, albumin, transferrin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins and tear lipocalin. Here we examine the adhesion of transferrin to FDA group I (low water non-ionic) and group IV (high water ionic) contacts lenses. Lenses were incubated in a solution of transferrin for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days, and transferrin adhesion was determined using the bicinchoninic acid assay. Transferrin adsorbed to Group I lenses in a steadily increasing pattern, resembling the pattern seen with albumin but not with lysozyme. In contrast, transferrin adsorbed to the Group IV lenses to a significant degree after one day, and then remained elevated, resembling the pattern seen with both albumin and lysozyme. Average transferrin adhesion to all Group I lenses was 96 ug/lens (± 10), compared to 70 (± 13) for lysozyme and 60 (± 24) for albumin. Average transferrin adhesion to all Group IV lenses was 116 ug/lens (± 43), compared to 92 (± 6) for lysozyme and 49 (± 4) for albumin.