Introduction • Silicones, also known as polysiloxanes, are polymers that include any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane, which is a chain of alternating silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, combined with carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes other elements. They are typically heat-resistant and either liquid or rubber-like, and are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, cooking utensils, and thermal and electrical insulation. Some common forms include silicone oil, silicone grease, silicone rubber, silicone resin, and silicone caulk. Properties of interest in medicine Chemical stability Electrical insulation Biocompatible High gas permeability Intriguing surface properties Low surface tension (20.4 mN/m) Critical surface tension of wetting (24 mN/m) has minimal adverse effect on material No material is suitable for every application… …but silicones have a strong history of stability in the medical application Applications (Uses) Past
• Blood Coagulation Prevention
Silicone’s water repellency caused it to be considered for prevention of blood coagulation in the 1940s. Toronto and Manitoba researchers coated syringes, needles, and vials with methylchlorosilane. When rinsed with distilled water, the silane hydrolyzed, forming a silicone coating on the glass and metal substrates which delayed blood clotting. Mayo Clinic researchers found storage in silicone-coated syringes did not affect blood coagulation time after being dispensed; declared silicone was “the most practical of any known [substance] for coating needle, syringe and tube.” Silicone precoating of needles, syringes, and blood collection vials became commonplace and continues today Needle Lubrication Silicone
coated needles penetrate easier. Today most hypodermic needles,
syringes, and other blood- collecting apparatus are coated or lubricated with silicone.
Catheters, Drains and Shunts
Silicone elastomers are used in catheters, shunts, and drains. silicone extrusions silicone-coating of other materials Silicone catheters, Drains and Shunts remain in use today. Artificial Organs Cardiac Valves Blood Pacemakers Orthopedic Implants Silicone small joint implants remain available today. Present • Wound Care Contact Lenses • Silicone-Hydrogel Lens Dk increases with silicone content Approved for 30 days of continuous wear Fewer complications, more comfort Drug delivery • Silicone PSA in TDDS patches • Controlled release Compliance • Rivastigmine for Alzheimer’s (Exelon®) • Methylphenidate for ADHD (Daytrana®) • Nicotine future Diagnostic Devices Lab-on-a-chip & biosensors using • Microfluidics • 3-D photolithography • Printable electronics • “Wearable” electronics Prevention • Healthcare-associated Infection • Anti-infective materials in catheters and other devices • Physical protection for the frail & elderly • Combination products with active-loading to provide benefit The end