Term: Silicone

Category: Substrates

Definition: Silicone is a synthetic polymer composed of siloxane (Si–O–Si) backbones with organic side groups. It is very flexible, inert, can handle high temperatures, and is biocompatible. These qualities make silicone useful for medical devices. Silicones are naturally hydrophobic and must be pretreated first to allow a hydrophilic coating on their surface.

Structure: Silicone’s structure is a linear or crosslinked siloxane backbone of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms (Si–O–Si) with organic side chains (–CH₃, –C₂H₅, etc.)

 Source: Synthetic

Common Uses: 

• Common uses of this material include temporary and permanent implants, like breast implants and prosthetic devices. 
• It is also used in medical devices such as catheters, drains, and shunts, and coatings for surgical instruments and needles. 
• This synthetic material is also found in specialty contact lenses and components for drug delivery systems.

Related Content and Resources: 

Hydrophilic Coatings For Medical Device Substrates

Hydrophilic Coating Polymers and Chemistries: Complete Guide

Hydrophilic Flexible Coatings for Flexible Medical Devices

The Use of Hydrophilic Coatings With Other Medical Coatings