1. To prepare the AuNS-modified model catheter surfaces for photothermal studies, the AuNSs were attached to the PDMS surfaces using our previously reported method.
2. In the literature, the most common method for activating silicone surfaces is based on the use of oxygen plasma to oxidize the organic component of the polymer, leaving a
hydrophilic silicon oxide layer on the surface.
3. The attachment of the desired functional moieties on the surface is usually
accomplished via a siloxane intermediate layer terminated with an amino group, to which the functional moieties are tethered via amidation.
4. In addition to this cumbersome multistep procedure requiring careful control of the siloxane chemistry, the major drawback of this approach is associated with the
limited stability of the siloxane films.