Small Antibacterial Molecule-Embedded Starch and Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Material for Potential Contact Lens Applications

The limitations of synthetic contact lens materials, including nonbiodegradability, user compatibility, and ocular infection risk, necessitate sustainable alternatives. This study reports the fabrication of a potential biobased contact lens material from starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cross-linked with citric acid. To impart antimicrobial functionality, a lysine-based small antibacterial molecule (LSAM) was incorporated. The resulting films demonstrated properties such as thermal stability and high mechanical strength (∼20 MPa), optical transparency (∼90% transmission), surface wettability (contact angle <50°), and easy moldability necessary for contact lens applications. Crucially, the material showed sustained LSAM release, which was responsible for its prolonged activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Additionally, the material was found to be nontoxic against mammalian cells and showcased excellent biodegradability, achieving complete degradation within 30 days in a soil burial test. Overall, these findings highlight the significant potential of this class of biobased materials as a sustainable, safe, and effective alternative for disposable contact lens applications.