2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, Ophthalmic Grade, ≥ 99.5%

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is perhaps the most widely studied and used neutral hydrophilic monomer. The monomer is soluble, its homopolymer is water-insoluble but plasticized and swollen in water. This monomer is the basis for many hydrogel products such as soft contact lenses, as well as polymer binders for controlled drug release, absorbants for body fluids and lubricious coatings. As a comonomer with other ester monomers, HEMA can be used to control hydrophobicity or introduce reactive sites.

Applications:

Contact Lenses & Intraocular Lenses: Used in the production of soft contact lenses and artificial eye implants for high oxygen permeability and comfort.

Hydrogel Medical Devices: Forms biocompatible hydrogels in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Adhesives & Coatings: Enhances adhesion and flexibility in ophthalmic adhesives and biocompatible coatings.

Dental Materials: Used in dental resins and restorative materials for improved durability and aesthetics.

Biomedical Research: Serves as a key material in cell culture scaffolds and biosensors due to its hydrophilic and crosslinking properties.