Term: Silica 

Category: Substrates

Definition: Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) is an inorganic substance that can be used in biomedical, optical, and electronic applications as a versatile substrate. It is hard, thermally stable, and chemically resistant. Silica can be amorphous (like glass) or crystalline (like quartz), and both formats deliver great surface properties to be used for thin-film, hydrophilic, and bio-functional coatings.

Structure: Network of SiO₄ linked by shared oxygen atoms, forming either amorphous or crystalline frameworks

Source: Natural  

Common Uses: 

• Biosensors
• Chromatography supports
• Coated implants
• Microfluidic devices

Related Content and Resources: 

A Comprehensive Guide to Hydrophilic Coatings for Glass Substrates

Hydrophilic Coatings For Medical Device Substrates Including Metals