A composite material used as a membrane for ophthalmology applications

New biomaterials for intracorneal ophthalmologic implants were designed, manufactured and characterized. A composite material in the form of a membrane was manufactured in a two-stage process. The first stage of the process depended on preparation of multidimensional (MD-type) fibrous polymer composite. A stable terpolymer polytetraflouroethylene-co-polyvinylene fluoride-co-polypropylene (PTFE-PVDF-PP) was used as a composite matrix, and sodium alginate-based biopolymer (NA) in the form of short fibres and/or powder were used as porogenic constituents. The composite materials were subjected to physicochemical treatment in order to remove a water soluble biopolymer. The treatment led to about 50% of open porosity within the polymer matrix. Depending on the membrane type the mean pore size determined with SEM microphotographs was 15-25 μm. Permeability and durability of the membranes in simulated eye fluid (culture medium enriched with albumin) was tested. The size and shape of the pores before and after the permeability test were compared (SEM), and they depend on the porogen form. Mechanical parameters of the composite materials such as; tensile strength, Young's modulus, and strain to failure were measured. A membrane derived from fibres and particles showed better mechanical properties than a membrane derived from porogen particles. Microstructure and mechanical properties make the membranes a good candidate for ophthalmological implants.