Identification and dynamics of proteins adhering to the surface of medical silicones in vivo and in vitro

Silicone has been used in medical practice as a paradigmatic implant material for decades despite significant detrimental side effects. Our targeted proteomics approach was aimed at identification of the proteins adsorbed to the surface of silicone because they have been characterized as key components in the onset and perpetuation of local immune reactions to silicone. The composition of the proteinacious film, the dynamics of protein deposition, and protein modifications after adsorption were analyzed both in vivo and in vitro. Differential analysis of protein deposition was performed, followed by protein identification with mass spectrometry, database matching, and Western blots. Thus far, we have identified the 30 most abundant proteins deposited on the surface of silicone, the largest known inventory of such proteins so far. Structural and extracellular matrix proteins predominated, followed by mediators of host defense, metabolism, transport, and stress related proteins. In addition, several biochemical modifications of fibronectin, vitronectin, and heat shock protein 60 were detected. Our analyses also revealed previously undetected proteins deposited on the surface of silicone. As tentative initiators and/or modulators of the response to silicone, they are therefore valuable candidates for prognosis and therapy.