Preparation of electromechanically active silicone composites and some evaluations of their suitability for biomedical applications

Abstract

Some films based on electromechanically active polymer composites have been prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols (PDMSs) having different molecular masses (Mv=60 700 and Mv=44 200) were used as matrix in which two different active fillers were incorporated: titanium dioxide in situ generated from its titanium isopropoxide precursor and silica particles functionalized with polar aminopropyl groups on surface. A reference sample based on simple crosslinked PDMS was also prepared. The composites processed as films were investigated to evaluate their ability to act as efficient electromechanical actuators for potential biomedical application. Thus, the surface morphology of interest for electrodes compliance was analysed by atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dielectric characteristics were evaluated by tensile tests and dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. Electromechanical actuation responses were measured by interferometry. The biocompatibility of the obtained materials has been verified through tests in vitro and, for valuable films, in vivo. The experimental, clinical and anatomopathological evaluation of the in vivo tested samples did not reveal significant pathological modifications.

In-situ photocrosslinkable nanohybrid elastomer based on polybutadiene/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

“…Elastomeric based nanocomposites like polybutadiene (PB)/POSS should be crosslinked to transform from soft plastic-like materials into elastic ones by forming a three dimensional structure nanohybrids and achieve ultimate enhancements. To crosslink saturated elastomers (such as ethylene propylene rubber) or unsaturated ones (such as PB) numerous approaches have been developed thus far including sulfur systems, peroxides, urethane crosslinkers and so on [10][11][12][13]. But, in some special technologies (such as coating) or applications (such as in-vivo implantation) different processes like photoinitiating systems are needed for in-situ crosslinking of resins [3,[14][15][16][17][18].…”

Facile Method for Obtaining Gold-Coated Polyester Surfaces with Antimicrobial Properties

“…The cytotoxicity of each material sample was determined by 3 Advances in Polymer Technology the viability of the cells growing with the materials. For cell viability measuring, the widely used MTT assay was chosen [39]. Briefly, the sterilized and equilibrated polymer pieces with a diameter of 5 mm were incubated with fibroblast suspension at the cell concentration of 1x10 4 cells/material piece.…”

Vibro-Perception of Optical Bio-Inspired Fiber-Skin

“…Furthermore, silicones demonstrate great coupling efficiency and tolerance of temperature and humidity, making it highly-suitable for attractive actuator like artificial muscle, skin, etc. [ 33 ]. In addition, silicone elastomer is highly adhesive with a low transition temperature, rendering it an ideal substrate for optical fiber insertion towards the fiber-skin.…”