Functionalized Contact Lenses for Ocular Health: Detection and Treatment of Ocular Infections with Moxifloxacin-Loaded Cellulose Nanofibers.

Ocular bacterial infections present significant treatment challenges due to the tear pH and limited retention of topical ophthalmic medications. In this study, we engineered dual-functional contact lenses (fCLs) by integrating moxifloxacin (MFX)-loaded cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with anthocyanin-based natural pH indicators. The incorporation of CNFs was designed to enhance surface hydrophilicity and facilitate MFX binding, while anthocyanin functionalization provided a visible colorimetric response to infection-associated pH changes. The structural and surface properties were characterized via UV-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial and antibiofilm assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) revealed that the CNF-integrated lenses exhibited marked biofilm inhibition against E. coli compared to nonnanofiber controls. Furthermore, the fCLs maintained functional stability within physiological pH values (6.5-7.4). These findings demonstrate that the developed fCLs offer a promising approach to the simultaneous monitoring and management of ocular infections.