HA was successfully modified using click chemistry with either silicone-containing or poly(ethylene glycol)-containing groups. The presence of silicone or poly(ethylene glycol) made HA more soluble in model pre-polymer contact lens mixtures compared to unmodified HA, which only formed dispersions. While the presence of silicone groups lead to opaque to non-transparent materials, the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) resulted in the formation of transparent materials. In any case, the presence of modified-HA increased the water content of the polymers regardless of their transparency. This work highlights the potential for modified-HA to act as a wetting agent in contact lenses and other applications.
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