The effect of albumin on the interfacial tension of silicone oil in vitrectomized eyes

Purpose : The formation and stability of emulsions in vitrectomized eyes is linked to the properties of the silicone oil-aqueous humor interface, in particular the surface tension. In the presence of natural surfactants, such as serum and plasma, the value of the surface tension is likely to change, but little quantitative information is presently available. To this end we perform accurate experiments measuring the interfacial properties of silicone oil (Siluron 1000) with anaqueous solution in the presence of endogenous-like proteins that can act as surfactants....