Biocompatibility Assessment of Polydimethylsiloxane for Vitreous Substitution Application in Relation to Physicochemical Properties

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has long been utilized as a vitreous humour substitute in the treatment of retinal detachment. To address increasing clinical demands, PDMS synthesis has been explored, yielding a range of viscosities of PDMS with favourable properties for this application. While various formulations and synthesis routes for developed PDMS have been reported in previous studies, an evaluation of their biocompatibility and relationship to physical properties has not yet been reported. However, the biocompatibility of this biomaterial is a critical determinant of its long-term performance. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the biocompatibility of PDMS and its relationship with physical properties through a comprehensive assessment that correlates polymer synthesis parameters, physicochemical properties, storage stability, emulsification resistance, and cytotoxicity. The samples tend to be stable during a five-month storage period. No signs of emulsification were observed when the samples were exposed to the emulsifiers. All samples exhibited no cytotoxic effect through the resazurin assay. Collectively, these findings suggest that synthesized PDMS possesses favourable biocompatibility and physicochemical stability, supporting its potential as a vitreous humour substitute.