| dc.description.abstract | Surface modifying additives (SMAs) incorporated into silicones can enhance surface hydrophilicity, thereby achieving resistance to biological adhesion (e.g. proteins). Such anti-biofouling behavior plays a crucial role in proteinaceous fluid-contacting medical devices, including catheters, stents, microfluidics, and ophthalmic implants. Protein adsorption and subsequent cell encroachment is particularly pernicious for intraocular lenses (IOLs), many of which are silicone-based. Therefore, it is essential for IOL silicones modified with SMAs to exhibit surface properties (e.g. hydrophilicity) to control cell on- growth while maintaining adequate bulk mechanical properties, and also optical clarity. Our lab previously developed new poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-silane amphiphiles as SMAs for silicones. These were comprised of a PEO segment, an oligodimethylsiloxane tether, and an optional crosslinking group. Silicones based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were modified with these SMAs, and demonstrated significant improvements in water-driven surface hydrophilicity as well as resistance to bacteria, proteins, and blood. However, for IOLs, a phenyl-containing silicone is most frequently utilized. Thus, this project aimed to evaluate the utility of PEO-silane amphiphile SMAs with a medical grade phenyl silicone material. The SMA was incorporated at varying concentrations. In addition to the assessment of water-driven surface hydrophilicity, the stability of these modified phenyl silicones during continuous exposure to air and to water was evaluated. The bulk mechanical properties as well as optical properties were also assessed. | |
