Silicone

in medical application

By: Mahdi Mohamad

 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