Modification of polysiloxane polymers for biomedical applications: a review

Abstract This paper reviews methods of modifying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers to improve their properties for biomedical applications. The modification methods are discussed under three different categories: bulk, surface and other modification techniques. Surface modification techniques include physical and chemical techniques to modify polymer surfaces. Bulk modification techniques include blending, copolymerization, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) and functionalization. The third category includes less common modification techniques. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry