Adsorption of bovine submaxillary mucin on silicone contact lenses grafted with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)

Bovine submaxillary mucin is considered to be an analogue of the high molecular protein present in the conjunctival mucus. This mucin was isolated from fresh salivary glands and acetylated with [1-14C]acetic anhydride. In situ adsorption of the bovine submaxillary mucin on silicone contact lenses ungrafted and grafted with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) was performed for the first time using an original radiotracer technique. The results show that the adsorbed amounts of mucin are higher on grafted samples and that thick layers are adsorbed when mucin concentration in the bulk solution is increased. Desorption experiments reveal that in addition to the tightly adsorbed protein layer, a loosely bound mucin layer of the same thickness exists on grafted and ungrafted silicones.