Protein-Silicone Interactions

The schizophrenic character of silicones, which contain both polar Si-O linkages and non-polar Me2Si groups, has led to their exploitation in a variety of personal and medical applications. Little is known about the interactions between silicones and biomolecules. Here, the authors summarize recent results from model studies that indicate that the silicone forms covalent bonds with the protein and/or other silicones (see Figure).