Amphiphilic additives in silicone oil tamponade and emulsification: an eye-on-a-chip study.

Aims: Recently, chemically modified silicone oil has been demonstrated as a reservoir for sustained release of intraocular drugs, many of which might be amphiphilic in nature. In this work, we study the effect of amphiphilic additives in silicone oil on emulsification under eye-like movements.

Methods: Three silicone-oil-soluble surfactants, namely DC749, MQ1640 and FZ2233, were used as model amphiphilic additives.

Adhesion of silicone oil and emulsification: an in vitro assessment using a microfluidic device and 'Eye-on-a-Chip'.

Purpose: Silicone oil (SiO) with additives of high-molecular-weight (HMW) SiO molecules, eases both the injection and removal. When used inside an eye, it remains unclear how increasing extensional viscosity of SiO might reduce emulsification. Using cell-lined models, this study aims to understand the reason why SiO with HMW is less prone to emulsification.