MUMBAI, India, June 30 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641073045 A) filed by Saveetha Institute Of Medical And Technical Sciences on June 12, 2026, for Bioinspired Melanin-Based Stabilization Of Silicone Elastomers For Improved Durability And Aesthetic Performance.
Inventors include Manoharan Ps; and Deepak Nallaswamy Veeraiyan.
The application for the patent was published on June 26, 2026, under issue no. 26/2026.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Bioinspired Melanin-Based Stabilization of Silicone Elastomers for Improved Durability and Aesthetic Performance The present disclosure relates to a bioinspired method for enhancing the color stability and aesthetic performance of silicone elastomers used in maxillofacial prosthetics. Silicone materials such as Polydimethylsiloxane are widely employed for facial prostheses; however, they are prone to discoloration due to ultraviolet radiation, oxidative degradation, and environmental exposure. Existing approaches utilizing inorganic nanofillers primarily provide ultraviolet shielding but are associated with limitations including alteration of mechanical properties, agglomeration, and insufficient resistance to oxidative processes. In one aspect, the invention provides a surface modification strategy incorporating a melanin-like material, specifically Polydopamine, to impart photoprotective and antioxidant properties to the silicone substrate. The method includes surface preparation of the silicone elastomer through microscale air abrasion to increase surface roughness, followed by application of a silane coupling agent to facilitate chemical functionalization, and subsequent deposition of a polydopamine coating through oxidative polymerization of dopamine under alkaline conditions. The resulting modified surface provides enhanced resistance to photodegradation and oxidative discoloration through combined ultraviolet absorption and free radical scavenging mechanisms. The coating further imparts a matte to semi-matte surface finish, contributing to improved aesthetic integration by reducing surface gloss and enhancing the natural appearance of the prosthesis. The described method is clinically feasible, cost-effective, and adaptable to routine prosthetic fabrication workflows without the requirement for specialized equipment such as plasma treatment systems. The invention may be implemented as a method of surface modification, a treated silicone prosthetic material, or a coating composition for improving durability and aesthetic longevity of maxillofacial prostheses. Variations of the method may include the use of eumelanin or other melanin-derived materials, alternative surface activation techniques, and modifications in coating parameters to optimize performance.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
