Hydrophilic substrates and method of making same
US6187369A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31935
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A substrate is rendered highly lubricious and wettable, by treating the substrate so that it becomes amine-functionalized, and chemically joining an aldonic acid to amine groups on the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the chemical joining is performed with the aid of a coupling agent, such as a water-soluble carbodiimide, the coupling agent participating in the reaction which joins the aldonic acid to the amine groups, and which forms a residue that can be discarded. The coupling agent makes it possible to perform the process at room temperature. The method can be used to coat articles such as contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, or other devices which are intended to be temporarily or permanently implanted in the body. The method can also be used in other fields, such as in coating of goggles, windshields, and other objects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.