Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting a biocompatible polymeric material to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material comprises subjecting the substrate surface to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate material to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon. A portion of the substrate surface is first removed, as by etching, in a radio frequency plasma reactor using inert argon gas. A biocompatible polymeric material may be covalently grafted to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material but may be different. Alternatively, after etching, the surface of a substrate material may be subjected to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate surface to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting a biocompatible polymeric material to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material comprises subjecting the substrate surface to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate material to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting at least a first biocompatible material, preferably having pendant terminal carboxylic acid or amine groups, to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of the substrate material comprises cross-linking a second biocompatible material to the first biocompatible material grafted to the substrate material using a cross-linking agent. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymer core and at least a first biocompatible material, preferably having pendant terminal carboxylic acid or amine groups, covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: A conjugated cytotoxin is provided for preventing posterior lens capsule opacification (after-cataract) after extracapsular extraction. Preferably, the mitotic inhibitor of lens epithelial cells comprises a conjugate containing methotrexate which is covalently linked to an antibody, such as anticollagen, in approximately a molar ratio of 1:1 to 10:1. The mitotic conjugate may be instilled in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye, preferably immediately after the lens has been removed, or coated onto an intraocular lens prior to insertion onto the posterior lens capsule. Similar conjugates may be attached to other artificial materials in the body to fight fibroblast proliferation.