| Autor: |
Viitaja T; Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland.; Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland., Moilanen J; Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland., Svedström KJ; Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland., Ekholm FS; Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland., Paananen RO; Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland.; Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. |
| Abstrakt: |
In healthy eyes, the tear film lipid layer (TFLL) is considered to act as an evaporation resistant barrier, which prevents eyes from drying. Seeking to understand the mechanisms behind the evaporation resistance of the TFLL, we studied mixtures of lipid layer wax esters and O -acyl-ω-hydroxy fatty acids. Analyzing their self-assembly and biophysical properties led to new discoveries concerning the structure and function of the TFLL. We discovered how these lipids self-assemble at the air-water interface and form an efficient antievaporative barrier, demonstrating for the first time how the interaction of different tear film lipid species can improve the evaporation resistance compared with individual lipid classes on their own. These results provide a potential mechanism for the evaporation resistance of the lipid layer. In addition, the results serve as a base for the future development of improved dry eye treatments and other applications where the evaporation of water represents a significant challenge. |
