Physicomechanical and cytotoxic properties of room temperature vulcanizing silicone prosthetic elastomers

The physicomechanical and cytotoxic properties of two newly introduced room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone prosthetic elastomers, Ideal and Silskin 2000, were investigated. Another RTV silicone, Elastosil M3500, was also investigated as a potential facial material. The in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed with the agar diffusion test and mouse fibroblast cells (L929). The properties investigated were tensile strength, percentage elongation, modulus, tear strength, hardness, and color changes (deltaE*). The properties tested were selected because of their clinical significance in fabricating facial prostheses. The results indicate that Elastosil M3500 has a better combination of high tear strength, elongation at break, and low hardness than Ideal and Silskin 2000. All materials demonstrated a low cytotoxic profile. Elastosil M3500 warrants further attention with clinical trials.