Some physicochemical remarks on spontaneous emulsification of vitreal tamponades

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:243056. doi: 10.1155/2014/243056. Epub 2014 Jul 15.

Abstract

The importance of gravitational instability in determining the emulsification of vitreal tamponades is discussed. Theoretical results and numerical simulations indicate that the spontaneous formation of water-silicon oil is a rare event and that the very low concentration of surface active agents cannot justify the systematic formation of emulsions. The gravitational instabilities seem to play the main role. Our theoretical results seem in agreement with the experimental evidences; furthermore they indicate a future research line for the improvement of endotamponades. Indeed, the use of biodegradable antifoam may avoid the formation of bubbles and delay the formation of emulsions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Phenomena*
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Thermodynamics
  • Vitrectomy / instrumentation*
  • Vitreous Body* / surgery

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Surface-Active Agents