Development of “SilicoSim,” a Next-Generation Contact Lens Material Design System
[Researcher Information]
Eri Ito, Specially Appointed Professor, Menicon × Tohoku University Co-creation Research Institute for “Miru” Future
Yoshiaki Kawagoe, Associate Professor, the Research Center for Green X-Tech
[Research Highlights]
⚫ We have achieved a detailed reproduction of the nanometer-scale internal structure and functional measurement results of materials for silicone hydrogel, the soft contact lens material currently in the spotlight.
⚫ Leveraging a high-precision, multi-scale simulation that replicates the realized nanostructure and functions, we have developed the ‘SilicoSim’ material design system.
⚫ We are accelerating the development of next-generation contact lenses through industry-academia collaboration utilizing the 3GeV high-intensity synchrotron radiation facility NanoTerasu (Note 1).
[Overview]
A joint research group from Tohoku University and Menicon Co., Ltd. has successfully clarified the relationship between the internal three-dimensional nanostructure and mass transport functions (the pathways for oxygen and ions) in silicone hydrogels, a soft contact lens material known for combining high oxygen permeability with hydrophilicity. In this study, the team integrated advanced measurements using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron radiation experiments with multi-scale simulations. This approach successfully reproduced the measurement results with high precision and theoretically demonstrated how the structure of raw material molecules influences material functions.
These findings were published on May 26, 2026, in Soft Matter, a specialized journal in the field of polymer science. Furthermore, the structure-function simulation system developed through this research has been named “SilicoSim.” Moving forward, the team will utilize this system to deepen the functional understanding of contact lenses and to accelerate the development of innovative new materials.
[Glossary]
Note 1. NanoTerasu (Official Name: “3GeV High-Brilliance Synchrotron Radiation Facility”) A synchrotron radiation facility established on Tohoku University’s Aobayama New Campus. By shining extremely bright synchrotron radiation produced by an accelerator onto materials, it visualizes the ultra-fine world at the nanometer scale. It is highly anticipated to visualize the nanostructures of polymers and other materials composed of light elements.
[Publication Information]
Title: 3D morphology and phase-selective transport in amphiphilic silicone hydrogels: experiments and multiscale simulations Authors: Eri Ito, Yoshiaki Kawagoe, and Tomonaga Okabe
*Corresponding Authors:
- Eri Ito, Specially Appointed Professor, Menicon × Tohoku University Co-creation Research Institute for “Miru” Future
- Yoshiaki Kawagoe, Associate Professor, the Research Center for Green X-Tech, Green Goals Initiative, Tohoku University
Journal: Soft Matter