Design of silicone interfaces with antibacterial properties.

Silicone implants are widely used for plastic or reconstruction medical applications. However, they can cause severe infections of inner tissues due to bacterial adhesion and biofilm growth on implant surfaces. The development of new antibacterial nanostructured surfaces can be considered as the most promising strategy to deal with this problem. In this article, we studied the influence of nanostructuring parameters on the antibacterial properties of silicone surfaces. Nanostructured silicone substrates with nanopillars of various dimensions were fabricated using a simple soft lithography technique. Upon testing of the obtained substrates, we identified the optimal parameters of silicone nanostructures to achieve the most pronounced antibacterial effect against the bacterial culture of Escherichia coli. It was demonstrated that up to 90% reduction in bacterial population compared to flat silicone substrates can be achieved. We also discussed possible underlying mechanisms behind the observed antibacterial effect, the understanding of which is essential for further progress in this field.

Silicone Composites with CNT/Graphene Hybrid Fillers: A Review.

This review is dedicated to versatile silicone rubber composites based on carbon nanotube/graphene (CNT/G) hybrid fillers. Due to their unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and biological properties, such composites have enormous potential for medical, environmental, and electronics applications. In the scope of this paper, we have explored CNT/graphene/silicone composites with a different morphology, analyzed the synergistic effect of hybrid fillers on various properties of silicone composites, and observed the existing approaches for the fabrication of hybrid composites with a seamless, assembled, and/or foamed structure. In conclusion, current challenges and future prospects for silicone composites based on CNTs and graphene have been thoroughly discussed.