TITLE:
Immobilization of Gold and Silver on a Biocompatible Porous Silicone Matrix to Obtain Hybrid Nanostructures
AUTHORS:
Solano-Umaña Victor, Corrales Urena Yendry Regina, Vega-Baudrit José Roberto
KEYWORDS:
Silicone, Porous, Gold, Silver, Water Absorption
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology,
Vol.9 No.1,
January
11,
2018
ABSTRACT: During the last decade an enormous research effort
has been deployed with respect to porous materials. Design, pore size, shape,
morphology and density are crucial features for increasing the surface area of
silicone materials, aiming for a better
biological response so cells can adhere and grow. Many medical applications utilize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in
medical implants, despite its hydrophobic
surface that does not stimulate cellular adhesion. Porosity and morphology are important factors in the wettability of PDMS, but modifying the hydrophobic surface functionalization is required.
To achieve this goal, the use of
coatings with gold and silver nanoparticles or nanofilms can be used as a strategy to improve biocompatibility. This is due to the effect on mammalian
cell adhesion and proliferation related to gold nanoparticles, as well as the
prevention of infections related to silver nanoparticles. In this study, the
pores in the silicone matrix were formed using sugar crystals as a template
agent, and later passed through a lixiviation process to form a porous silicon
matrix. Next, the matrix was placed inside a
colloidal suspension; a process that allowed the immobilization of these
particles on the surface matrix. A hybrid stable material was synthetized
through this process. The water absorption level of the porous silicone matrix
with and without the nanoparticles was determined. The water uptake of the
matrix was higher when the nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface. Van der Waals and hydrogen bonding
interactions account for this, promoting the retention of a higher
concentration of water molecules. Higher water uptake has been identified as
being a key factor for improving biological response, cellular adhesion and
growth, which accelerates implant integration in the body.