Duffy-Matzner, Jetty

• Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of California, Davis 

• B.S., Boise State University

 This proposed research falls under the focus area of drug discovery/medicinal chemistry and examines the feasibility of creating modified contact lenses in collaboration with Dr. Grigoriy Sereda in the Chemistry Department at the University of South Dakota and Dr. Paul Egland (AU) to deliver ocular medications.  The surface functionalization of contact lenses would allow us to modify their charge, increase their moisture retention properties (to address eye dryness), and impart antibacterial properties (by attaching chitosan to the surface). This research would be of particular importance for those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as lupus, causing chronic dry eyes that strongly discourage the use of contact lenses. 

 Millions of people suffer from eye conditions and rely on application methods such as eye drops and creams for treatment or relief; however, factors such as the susceptibility to be lost through tears and poor application greatly limit the effectiveness of these treatments. To address this concern, we are working on developing microparticles and nanoparticles that can be integrated into contact lenses to prolong retention of medications at the ocular surface and increase bioavailability. These particles will increase the drug retention time on our previously synthesized hyaluronic acid and chitosan Lb. contact lenses. Hyaluronic acid and chitosan provide many beneficial properties: biocompatibility, biodegradability, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, high viscoelasticity, ability to retain moisture, mucoadhesion and target specific areas (such as HA's binding of CD44 cell receptors and HA-mediated motility receptors). Drugs such as timolol (lowers hypertension to treat glaucoma) and norflaxin (fluoroquinolone antibacterial) will be incorporated onto the contact lens by a Layer by Layer process of the biopolymers. Other natural products such as zingerone (from ginger) and res (from berries) will be analyzed as well. Zingerone (extract from ginger) would be incorporated during the formation of the chitosan nanoparticles. Zingerone is a growth enhancer, antioxidant, and immunostimulant that has lipolytic, anticancer, anti-diarrheal, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Another interesting natural product to investigate is resveratrol. Resveratrol is a plant flavonoid. It has been shown that the broad spectrum of antiinflammatory and neuroprotective properties of resveratrol has a beneficial effect on eye tissues. In conjunction with Dr. Sereda and the TECCL Core, microfluidic devices will be produced to evaluate the permeability of the nanoparticles through ocular tissue.  

 The particles would be tested for ocular tissue penetration, moisture retention, protein deposition, zeta potential, and anti-microbial activity. Students would also learn to use organic synthetic techniques, dialysis techniques, cell culture, and cell viability testing. Students would also use instruments such as: FTNMR, FTIR, ATR, UV-Vis, Fluorimetry, TGA, viscosity measurements, optical microscopy measurements, DLS, SEM, and XRD.

 Students interested in medical care, organic synthesis, and/or material science would benefit from this research project.