Gamma Irradiation of Silicones

Silicones in various forms have been utilized in biomedical applications over the past several decades. While silicone elastomers are currently the most common silicone biomaterial, low molar mass cyclic silicones, low molar mass linear silicones, silicone oligomers, silicone polymers and silicone gels have each found applications as biomaterials. For the biomedical applications of silicones, it is required that the materials be sterilized prior to application or implantation. Common methods of sterilization include steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, electron beam sterilization and gamma sterilization. In this review we will describe the behavior of various silicones upon exposure to gamma radiation.