The optical and biofunctional properties of an intraocular lens are customizable T he research team of Professor Hsien-Yeh Chen (Department of Chemical Engineering) at National Taiwan University has demonstrated an innovative intraocular lens (IOL) device (PPX-IOL) that is fabricated by using via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) encapsula-tion of functionalized poly-p-xylylenes (PPX). The novel design of PPX-IOL provides customiza-ble parameters for both its optical and biological proper-ties. As an excellent optical device, it provides a high re-fractive index and a tunable effective focal length that is realized by manipulating the wetting properties of liquids.; tThe device also offers pro-tection from UV radiation. As a key medical device, it ex-hibits excellent biocompatibil-ity and reduced postoperative calcification through due to the intrinsic properties of PPX. In addition, these synergistic functions are provided with precise surface chemistriesy for the locationplacement of eye epithelial cells to via a guided attachment or repel-lent properties for eye epithe-lial cells, which is very important in preventing de-vice-associated complica-tions. NowadaysCurrently, an increasing number of people have suffered from cataract disease, and approximately 10 million IOLs are implanted yearly and worldwide each year. A There is high demand is seeking for the develop-ment of new IOL devices with properties to fulfill different optical and biological re-quirements of each patient. The design parameters for the PPX-IOL device are flexible, modifications are simple, and most important of all, the optical and biological properties are customizable to a specific patient’s needs. This PPX-IOL device may pave the way to the next generation of biomedical optics products. ___________________________ Reference Jyun-Ting Wu, Chih-Yu Wu, Shih-Kang Fan, Chih-Chen Hsieh, Yu-Chih Hou, and Hsien-Yeh Chen. Customizable Optical and Biofunctional Properties of a Medical Lens Based on Chemical Vapor Deposition Encapsulation of Liquids. Chem. Mater. 2015, 27, 7028−7033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b02433 Professor Hsien-Yeh Chen Department of Chemical Engineering hsychen@ntu.edu.tw Reference Jyun-Ting Wu, Chih-Yu Wu, Shih- Kang Fan, Chih-Chen Hsieh, Yu- Chih Hou, and Hsien-Yeh Chen. (2015). Customizable Optical and Biofunctional Properties of a Medical Lens Based on Chemical Vapor Deposition Encapsulation of Liquids. Chemistry of Materials, 27, 7028-7033. DOI: 10.1021/acs. chemmater.5b02433 Professor Hsien-Yeh Chen Department of Chemical Engineering hsychen@ntu.edu.tw