Dual function UV-absorbers for ophthalmic lens materials

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 7396942
  • Patent Number
    7,396,942
  • Date Filed
    Monday, October 9, 2006
    17 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 8, 2008
    16 years ago
Abstract
Disclosed are UV absorbers that contain a labile functional group capable of initiating free radical polymerization.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to ophthalmic lens materials. In particular, this invention relates to ultraviolet light absorbers that also act as polymerization initiators for ophthalmic lens materials.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many UV light absorbers are known as ingredients for polymeric materials used to make ophthalmic lenses. UV absorbers are preferably covalently bound to the polymeric network of the lens material instead of simply physically entrapped in the material to prevent the absorber from migrating, phase separating or leaching out of the lens material. Such stability is particularly important for implantable ophthalmic lenses where the leaching of the UV absorber may present both toxicological issues and lead to the loss of UV blocking activity in the implant.


Numerous copolymerizable benzatriazole, benzophenone and triazine UV absorbers are known. Many of these UV absorbers contain conventional olefinic polymerizable groups, such as methacrylate, acrylate, methacrylamide, acrylamide or styrene groups. Copolymerization with other ingredients in the lens materials, typically with a radical initiator, incorporates the UV absorbers into the resulting polymer chain. Incorporation of additional functional groups, on a UV absorber may influence one or more of the UV absorber's UV absorbing properties, solubility or reactivity. If the UV absorber does not have sufficient solubility in the remainder of the ophthalmic lens material ingredients or polymeric lens material, the UV absorber may coalesce into domains that could interact with light and result in decreased optical clarity of the lens. Examples of polymeric ophthalmic lens materials that incorporate UV absorbers can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,892; 5,331,073 and 5,693,095.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides dual function UV absorbers. These UV absorbers contain a labile functional group capable of initiating radical polymerization. These UV absorbers are suitable for use in ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses, and are particularly useful in implantable lenses, such as intraocular lenses (IOLs).


Among other factors, the present invention is based on the finding that UV absorbers can be modified to incorporate a labile functional group capable of initiating polymerization of an olefinic ophthalmic lens material monomers without eliminating the UV absorber's UV absorbing activity, solubility or reactivity with ophthalmic lens material ingredients.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless indicated otherwise, all ingredient amounts expressed in percentage terms are presented as % w/w.


The dual function UV absorbers (“DFUVAS”) of the present invention contain a functional group that can initiate free radical polymerization. As such, these DFUVAS eliminate the need for two separate monomeric ingredients in the preparation of copolymeric ophthalmic lens materials. Instead of adding a conventional UV absorber to conventional ophthalmic lens-forming materials and separately adding a conventional polymerization initiator, a DFUVAS can be used in place these two conventional ingredients.


Many conventional thermal free radical initiators and many UV absorbers are known. The DFUVAS may be synthesized by reacting a UV absorber that contains a reactive functionality with a radical initiator while preserving the radical generating linkage. For example, 3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (1) may be coupled to 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (2) using a carbodiimide esterification agent. The product (3) can then initiate radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer (e.g., acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, styrene) by application of heat and/or UV/visible light and the UV absorbing functionality will be covalently attached to the polymer chain.




embedded image


This invention provides the synthesis of a single component additive that provides a dual function: UV absorption properties and ability to initiate free radical polymerization. The result is a covalently linked UV absorber that will not leach out of the product or phase separate and lead to decreased optical clarity. The synthesis permits flexibility in tailoring both UV absorbing strength and initiator half-life. UV-initiation of polymerization of the lens material is still possible with protection of the hydroxy group on the UV absorbing function of the DFUVAS.


The DFUVAS can be synthesized from azo, organic peroxide, phosphine oxide, and α-hydroxyketone radical polymerization initiators that contain appropriate functional groups. The necessary functionality from each of these initiator classes is the presence of a functional group (carboxylic acid or hydroxyl) through which a UV absorbing benzotriazole, benzophenone or triazine can be covalently linked. Preferred DFUVAS are those represented by formulas [1]-[7].


Several functionalized azo initiators are commercially available. For example, V-501 (4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid)) from Wako Chemicals. This initiator contains a thermally labile azo linkage (—N═N—) and two terminal carboxylic acid groups. Similarly, VA-086 contains two terminal hydroxyl groups. VA-080 contains three hydroxyl groups on each side of the thermally labile azo linkage.




embedded image


Therefore, an azo functional UV absorber can be synthesized from an azo initiator with the following structural characteristics:




embedded image



where:

  • A is —CH3 or —CH2CH3.
  • B is —CN, —CO2H, —COH, —COCH3, —CO2CH3, —SO3H, —CF3, or —NO2 when D is (CH2)n, and —CH3 or —CH2CH3 when D is nothing.
  • D is nothing or (CH2)n, n=1-10
  • E is O or NH, NCH3, or NCH2CH3
  • F is nothing, (CH2)x or (CH2CH2O)xCH2CH2 where x=1-10.
  • G is —R, —OR, —NHR, —NRR′, —CO2R, or —COR, where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber, and R′=—CH3 or —CH2CH3.


Many benzotriazole and benzophenone UV absorbers are known and many are commercially available from a variety of sources, such as Ciba Specialty Chemicals. The identity of the benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber is not critical, but should be selected based on its characteristic UV cut-off to give the desired UV absorbing property. For IOL applications, preferred benzotriazole UV absorbers are hydroxyphenylbenzotriazoles and preferred benzophenone UV absorbers are hydroxyphenylbenzophenones that have been modified to contain a functional group that can be covalently bonded to a radical polymerization initiator. For example, a preferred hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole UV absorber is 2-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, where the UV absorbing group is linked through an ethyl ether linkage at the para position on the hydroxyphenyl group, as shown below linked to an azo functionality.




embedded image


Functionalized α-hydroxyketones suitable for use as UV polymerization initiators are commercially available. For example, 2-hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)phenyl]-2-methylpropan-1-one (Irgacure® 2959, Ciba Specialty Chemicals) contains a free primary hydroxyl group covalently attached to a UV light labile α-hydroxyketone linkage. This primary hydroxyl can be used as a covalent linking point. For example, in Irgacure® 2959, the primary hydroxyl was used to covalently attach hydrophilic functional groups through an ether linkage to create a water-soluble photoinitiator (Gruber, H. F.; Knaus, S. J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 1995, 33, 929).




embedded image


A generic α-hydroxyketone photoinitiator that contains the appropriate functional groups for covalently linking a UV chromophore is represented by formula [2]:




embedded image



where:

  • J is CH3 or CH2CH3.
  • L is nothing, (CH2)y or (CH2CH2O)y where y=1-10.
  • G is —R, —OR, —NHR, —NRR′, —CO2R, or —COR, where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber, and R′=—CH3 or —CH2CH3.


Functionalized phosphine oxide photoinitiators are also known. For example, a vinyl functional phosphine oxide was used in the synthesis of polymeric acylphosphine oxide photoinitiators (DeGroot, J. H.; Dillingham, K. A.; Deuring, H.; Haitjema, H. J.; Van Beijma, F. J.; Hodd, K. A.; Norrby, S. Biomacromolecules 2001, 2,1271).




embedded image



A generic phosphine oxide photoinitiator that contains the appropriate functional groups for covalently linking a UV chromophore is represented by formula [3].




embedded image



where Q is —H, —CH3, —CH2CH3, —CH(CH3)CH3, or —C(CH3)3.

  • T is nothing, —(CH2)z, or —(OCH2CH2)z, where z=1-10
  • G is —R, —OR, —NHR, —NRR′, —CO2R, or —COR, where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber, and R′=—CH3 or —CH2CH3.


Functionalized organic peroxides are less common, however the presence of a functional group for example OH, NH2, or CO2H would allow covalent attachment of a benzotriazole- or benzophenone-containing UV chromophore. A generic acylperoxide initiator that contains appropriate functional groups for covalently linking a UV chromophore is represented by formula [4].




embedded image



where Y=nothing or O; R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; R′=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; —(CH2)nH (n=1-18); —CH(CH3)CH3; —C(CH3)3; —C6H5; —CH(CH3)CH2CH3; —C(CH3)2CH2C(CH3)3; —C(CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)6H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)6H; —CH2CH(CH2CH3)(CH2)4H; or




embedded image


By way of illustration, if Y=O and R and R′ in formula [4] are selected to be the benzotriazole UV absorber 2-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, and the UV absorbing group is linked through an ethyl linkage at the para position on the hydroxyphenyl group to the peroxydicarbonate functionality, the following compound is obtained:




embedded image



Generic peroxyester, dialkylperoxide and peroxyketal initiators that contain the appropriate functional groups for covalently linking a UV chromophore are represented by formulas [5], [6], and [7], respectively.




embedded image



where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; R′=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; —(CH2)nH (n=1-18); —CH(CH3)CH3; —C(CH3)3; —C6H5; —CH(CH3)CH2CH3; —C(CH3)2CH2C(CH3)3; —C(CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)6H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)6H; —CH2CH(CH2CH3)(CH2)4H; —C(CH3)2C6H5; or




embedded image



[6] R—O—O—R (dialkylperoxide) where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; R′=H, a


benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; —(CH2)nH (n=1-18); —H(CH3)CH3; —C(CH3)3; —CH(CH3)CH2CH3; —C(CH3)2CH2C(CH3)3; —C(CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)4H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)5H; —C(CH3)2(CH2)6H; —C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)6H; —CH2CH(CH2CH3)(CH2)4H; or —C(CH3)2C6H5.




embedded image



where R=a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber;


R′=H; a benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorber; (CH2)nH (n=1-18); CH(CH3)CH3; C(CH3)3; CH(CH3)CH2CH3; C(CH3)2CH2C(CH3)3; C(CH3)2(CH2)4H; C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)4H; C(CH3)2(CH2)5H; C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)5H; C(CH3)2(CH2)6H; C(CH2CH3)2(CH2)6H; CH2CH(CH2CH3)(CH2)4H; or C(CH3)2C6H5.


In general, the amount of DFUVAS contained in ophthalmic lens materials will depend upon the desired UV blocking characteristics but will typically range from 1-5 wt %.


The invention will be further illustrated by the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting.


EXAMPLE 1
Esterification of 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) with 3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenethyl Alcohol

A 50 mL 3-neck flask was dried in a 120° C. oven overnight and cooled in a desiccator. The flask flushed with N2 then charged with 1.9151 g (7.50 mmol) of 3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol. The solid was dissolved in 15 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran, then 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.0489g, 0.400 mmol) and 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (1.0084 g, 3.60 mmol), were added and allowed to dissolve. 1,3-Dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (1.5520 g, 7.52 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature under a N2 blanket for 24 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered through a fine porosity sintered glass funnel and the solvent was rotovapped. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CH2Cl2), the solvent was rotovapped and the product was dried under vacuum. Yield 1.3691 g (1.81 mmol, 51%) of a pale yellow powder.


EXAMPLE 2
Preparation of Ophthalmic Lens Material Initiated with UV Absorbing Inititator Prepared in Example 1

A scintillation vial was charged with 3.3572 g (19.052 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl acrylate (PEA), 1.5585 g (8.192 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl methacrylate (PEMA), and 0.0611 g (0.308 mmol) of 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA). The monomer mixture was purged with N2 and 0.2290 g (0.304 mmol) of the UV absorbing initiator prepared in Example 1 was added and allowed to dissolve.


The initiated formulation was filtered through a 0.2 micron PTFE filter and dispensed into polypropylene molds. The molds were placed in an oven for 1 hr at 70° C. then 2 hrs at 110° C. The product polymer was extracted in acetone at room temperature for 16 hrs. The polymer was allowed to air dry for 1.5 hr, then placed in a 60° C. vacuum oven for 3 hrs. The weight loss following extraction was determined gravimetrically and the UV/Vis spectrum was recorded from 190 to 820 nm on a 1 mm thick flat. The data is listed in Table 1.


EXAMPLE 3
Preparation of Ophthalmic Lens Material Initiated with UV Absorbing Initiator Prepared in Example 1

A scintillation vial was charged with 3.3502 g (19.012 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl acrylate (PEA), 1.5516 g (8.156 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl methacrylate (PEMA), and 0.0567 g (0.286 mmol) of 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA). The monomer mixture was purged with N2 and 0.0761 g (0.101 mmol) of the UV absorbing initiator prepared in Example 1 was added and allowed to dissolve. The initiated formulation was filtered through a 0.2 micron PTFE filter and dispensed into polypropylene molds. The molds were placed in an oven for 1 hr at 70° C. then 2 hrs at 110° C. The product polymer was extracted in acetone at room temperature for 16 hrs. The polymer was allowed to air dry for 1.5 hr, then placed in a 60° C. vacuum oven for 3 hrs. The weight loss following extraction was determined gravimetrically and the UV/Vis spectrum was recorded from 190 to 820 nm on a 1 mm thick flat. The data is listed in Table 1.


EXAMPLE 4
Preparation of Ophthalmic Lens Material Initiated with 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)

A scintillation vial was charged with 3.3580 g (19.057 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl acrylate (PEA), 1.5629 g (8.215 mmol) of 2-phenylethyl methacrylate (PEMA), and 0.0589 g (0.297 mmol) of 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA). The monomer mixture was purged with N2 and 0.0502 g (0.306 mmol) of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was added and allowed to dissolve. The initiated formulation was filtered through a 0.2 micron PTFE filter and dispensed into polypropylene molds. The molds were placed in an oven for 1 hr at 70° C. then 2 hrs at 110° C. The product polymer was extracted in acetone at room temperature for 16 hrs. The polymer was allowed to air dry for 1.5 hr, then placed in a 60° C. vacuum oven for 3 hrs. The weight loss following extraction was determined gravimetrically and the UV/Vis spectrum was recorded from 190 to 820 nm on 1 mm thick flat. The data is listed in Table 1.









TABLE 1







Weight % acetone extractables and UV cut-off of ophthalmic lens


materials.












Example
% extractables
10% T (nm)
1% T (nm)







2
3.86 ± 0.18
381
377



3
4.82 ± 0.25
377
371



4
0.63 ± 0.23
294
279










This invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments; however, it should be understood that it may be embodied in other specific forms or variations thereof without departing from its special or essential characteristics. The embodiments described above are therefore considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims
  • 1. A dual function UV absorber of the formula:
  • 2. The dual function UV absorber of claim 1, wherein R=2-N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole.
Parent Case Info

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/753254, filed Jan. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,210 which claims priority to U. S. Provisional Application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/438,978, filed Jan. 9, 2003.

US Referenced Citations (30)
Number Name Date Kind
4304895 Loshaek Dec 1981 A
4528311 Beard et al. Jul 1985 A
4612358 Besecke et al. Sep 1986 A
4716234 Dunks et al. Dec 1987 A
4785063 Slongo et al. Nov 1988 A
4929250 Hung et al. May 1990 A
4963160 Hung et al. Oct 1990 A
5047556 Kohler et al. Sep 1991 A
5098445 Hung et al. Mar 1992 A
5133745 Falcetta et al. Jul 1992 A
5141990 McKoy et al. Aug 1992 A
5147902 Ichikawa et al. Sep 1992 A
5164462 Yang Nov 1992 A
5189084 Birbaum et al. Feb 1993 A
5194544 Goldberg et al. Mar 1993 A
5290892 Namdaran et al. Mar 1994 A
5298033 Hung et al. Mar 1994 A
5331073 Weinschenk, III et al. Jul 1994 A
5384235 Chen et al. Jan 1995 A
5399692 Hung et al. Mar 1995 A
5500024 Hung et al. Mar 1996 A
5648488 Stevenson Jul 1997 A
5693095 Freeman et al. Dec 1997 A
5837792 Meuwly et al. Nov 1998 A
5869588 Toan et al. Feb 1999 A
5914355 Künzler Jun 1999 A
5928629 Allard et al. Jul 1999 A
5928630 Richard et al. Jul 1999 A
5942564 Kaschig et al. Aug 1999 A
5945465 Ozark et al. Aug 1999 A
Foreign Referenced Citations (13)
Number Date Country
0 221 630 Jul 1986 EP
0 343 996 May 1989 EP
0 283 166 Jan 1992 EP
0 693 483 Jan 1996 EP
0 952 467 Oct 1999 EP
0 582 664 Oct 2000 EP
WO 9850371 Nov 1998 WO
WO 9953348 Oct 1999 WO
WO 9958507 Nov 1999 WO
WO 9960428 Nov 1999 WO
WO 9963366 Dec 1999 WO
WO 0055212 Sep 2000 WO
WO 02078966 Oct 2002 WO
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20070078196 A1 Apr 2007 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60438978 Jan 2003 US
Divisions (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 10753254 Jan 2004 US
Child 11539748 US