Physical, mechanical, and biocompatibility evaluation of three different types of silicone rubber

Silicone rubber as a valuable biomaterial is widely used in medical applications, but its surface properties and low wettability make serious problems in long-term implants. This work was undertaken to evaluate the biocompatibility of modified silicone rubber using two different techniques. A blend of poly(acrylamide) and silicone rubber was compared with virgin silicone surfaces as well as with those modified by laser treatment. Physical and mechanical properties of the samples were examined using different techniques. The hydrophilicity of the silicone rubber increased with increasing hydrogel content and decreased as a result of laser treatment. Both fibroblast cell (L929) and platelet behavior in contact with these surfaces were evaluated in vitro. The morphology of fibroblast cells that adhered to the blends was similar to the control. In contrast, on the laser-treated surfaces fibroblast cells showed different proliferation. On the other hand, fewer platelets adhered to the laser-treated surface than adhered to the blend and the unmodified PDMS surfaces. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.