Development of robust biocompatible silicone with high resistance to protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion.

A new biocompatible silicone comprising a carboxybetaine (CB) ester analogue, 3-methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TRIS) and an organic silicone macromer (bis-α,ω-(methacryloxypropyl) polydimethylsiloxane) has been developed using photo-polymerisation. Following interfacial hydrolysis of the CB ester, the resulting zwitterionic material became significantly more hydrophilic and exhibited high resistance to both non-specific protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion. Moreover, the stability of these non-fouling properties was dramatically improved by using a slow and controlled rate of ester hydrolysis of the original protective hydrophobic matrix. The subsequent ability to maintain the original optical and mechanical properties of the bare silicone following surface activation makes this material an ideal candidate for preparing contact lenses and other medical devices.