Biomechanical properties and large strain deformation of artificial silicone devices with different forms of nanostructured carbon

We elucidate here the biomechanical response and large strain deformation behavior of silicone containing dispersion of different forms of nanostructured carbon, which adapt favorably to the functional requirements of joints during soft tissue reconstruction or replacement. The behavior of hybrid silicone systems is compared with standalone silicone. The key biomechanical properties, contact stiffness, reduced modulus and hardness were studied in vitro using nanoindentation approach in a simulated physiological environment under conditions of slow and rapid mechanical loading. Based on the biomechanical analysis, it is proposed that handheld indentation devices can be appropriately used during clinical practice for determination of stiffness of artificial soft tissues. However, while nanoindentation is a sensitive technique for quantitative evaluation of biomechanical properties of soft tissues, it is, important that the test procedure is standardized. Also, discussed are the basic physical mechanisms that govern elastic recovery and large strain deformation in terms of molecular theory.