Development of “SilicoSim,” a Next-Generation Contact Lens Material Design System
A joint research group from Tohoku University and Menicon Co., Ltd. has clarified the relationship between the three-dimensional nanostructure inside silicone hydrogel—a soft contact lens material that combines high oxygen permeability with hydrophilicity—and its mass transport functions (paths for oxygen and ions).By integrating advanced measurement techniques, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron radiation experiments, with multiscale simulations, the study successfully reproduced experimental results and theoretically revealed how raw material molecular structures impact material functions.These research findings were published in the polymer journal Soft Matter on May 26, 2026. Furthermore, the structure-function simulation system developed through this research was named “SilicoSim.”
Moving forward, the Research Center for Green X-Tech will continue to strongly promote material evaluation and innovative material development utilizing advanced measurement and simulation technologies.
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[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