Cellulose-based hydrogels and methods of making thereof

摘要

The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

主权项

1. A re-wet cellulose hydrogel wherein the hydrogel comprises a cellulose content of about 55% by weight and one or more properties selected from the group consisting of: a tensile strength of from about 1000 kPa to about 5000 kPa; a tear strength of from about 3.0 N/mm to about 12 N/mm; a strain to failure of from about 20% to about 40%; a suture retention strength of from about 1.0 N/mm to about 7.0 N/mm; a transparency that exceeds 85% at 550 nm at 100 microns thickness; Young's modulus of from about 4000 kPa to about 15000 kPa; and a puncture resistance of from about 3 MPa to about 5 MPa,
wherein the hydrogel is in the shape of a contact lens, and wherein the cellulose is from a source selected from the group consisting of plant, wood pulp, cotton pulp, microbial, and combinations thereof.