Light-Induced Bulk Architecturation of PDMS Membranes

One major challenge of biomaterial engineering is to mimic the mechanical properties of anisotropic, multifunctional natural soft tissues. Existing solutions toward controlled anisotropy include the use of oriented reinforcing fillers, with complicated interface issues, or UV-curing processing through patterned masks, that makes use of harmful photosensitive molecules. Here, a versatile process to manufacture biocompatible silicone elastomer membranes by light degradation of the platinum catalyst prior to thermal cross-linking is presented. The spatial control of network density is demonstrated by experimental and theoretical characterizations of the mechanical responses of patterned cross-linked membranes, with a view to mimic advanced implantable materials.