Novel supramolecular elastomer films based on linear carboxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomers: preparation, characterization, biocompatibility, and application in wound dressings

Abstract

A novel supramolecular elastomer (SESi) based on multiple hydrogen bond associations between low-molecular-weight polydimethylsiloxane chains was obtained through a two-step reaction of linear carboxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomers with diethylenetriamine and urea, and the reaction mechanism was characterized. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the supramolecular network structure is completely amorphous, endowing SESi with rubber-like elastic behavior at room temperature. The transparent SESi film prepared by hot pressing displayed nice viscoelasticity, benign water absorption, water vapor transition rates, and ideal biocompatibility; and did not show cytotoxicity or skin irritation. These properties allow the elastomer to function as an occlusive wound dressing. To demonstrate its potential in wound dressings, a detailed comparison of commercial 3M Tegaderm^™ film and the SESi film was conducted. The SESi film exhibited similar effects in wound healing, and the wound bed was covered by the SESi film without the occurrence of significant adverse reactions.

Keywords:

• supramolecular elastomer based on polydimethylsiloxanes
• multihydrogen bonds association
• biocompatibility
• cytotoxicity
• wound dressing

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09205063.2014.938977.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51003032], [grant number 31201552] and the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education [grant number 20124404120025].