Simple technique for the preparation of silicone gel particles: the effect of silicone gel particles on oxidative responses of macrophages.

A simple technique was developed to prepare phagocytosable-size particles from the silicone gel used in breast implants. Sonication of silicone gel (1 g) in 5 ml of 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) containing 1% (wt/vol) polyoxypropylene-polyethylene block surfactant (F-68 or F-108) produced silicone gel particles ranging from 1-50 microns in diameter.