Hyaluronan incorporation into model contact lens hydrogels as a built‐in lubricant: Effect of hydrogel composition and proteoglycan 4 as a lubricant in solution

Contact lens friction significantly correlates with subjective comfort. Hyaluronan (HA) and proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) are natural boundary lubricants present in the body. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of crosslinked HA into the bulk of model contact lens materials pHEMA, pHEMA/TRIS, and DMAA/TRIS on surface wettability, protein sorption, and boundary lubricating properties at a material–cornea biointerface, both alone and synergistically with PRG4 in solution. Surface wettability was assessed by water contact angle measurement, protein sorption by lysozyme sorption assay, and boundary lubricating properties using an in vitro friction test method. HA incorporation (HA inc ) increased the surface wettability of all materials, and reduced protein sorption for pHEMA and DMAA/TRIS. HA inc increased friction for pHEMA, and DMAA/TRIS, whereas a decrease was observed for pHEMA/TRIS. A combination of HA inc and PRG4 sol had a synergistic effect of reducing friction only for pHEMA/TRIS. This combination had similar friction reduction compared with PRG4 sol alone for DMAA/TRIS. These results indicate HA incorporation could be an effective internal wetting agent, antiadhesive, and boundary lubricant for pHEMA/TRIS silicone hydrogels. In conclusion, HA incorporation can reduce friction of hydrogels alone and in combination with PRG4 in solution, though in a hydrogel composition‐dependent (e.g., TRIS) manner.