What is KWIK-CAST?

KWIK-CAST is a very low-viscosity, two-part silicone sealant developed by World Precision Instruments (WPI) specifically for acute multi-fiber peripheral nerve recordings. Packaged in a double-barrel syringe with colour-coded components (yellow catalyst + blue base = green when mixed), it provides an instant visual confirmation of complete mixing before application.

Where KWIK-SIL is engineered for chronic chronic implants that must hold for days, KWIK-CAST is optimised for acute experiments: it flows into the smallest spaces around nerve/electrode contacts, creates a single continuous seal against peritoneal fluid, and — critically — cures with low tear strength, making electrode recovery clean and damage-free at the end of the recording session. It can even be applied under mineral oil.

Key Features

• Ultra-Low Viscosity: At 10,000 CPS, KWIK-CAST flows freely around peripheral nerves and electrode cuffs, filling all gaps and creating a single continuous mass from below the nerve to the top of the contact — eliminating the peritoneal fluid channels that cause electrode shorting.
• Colour-Coded Mixing Indicator: The yellow catalyst and blue base components produce a distinctive green colour when fully mixed, giving instant visual confirmation of proper 1:1 blending before application to tissue.
• Fast Cure Without Heat: Sets in approximately 3 minutes at room temperature (working time 4 minutes). The curing process generates no heat and produces only a small amount of hydrogen gas as a by-product — not the toxic acetic acid or alcohols generated by competing silicone formulations.
• Designed for Electrode Recovery: Lower tear strength (44 PPI vs 90 PPI for KWIK-SIL) and 60% elongation allow electrodes to be recovered cleanly at the end of an acute recording session without damaging the preparation.
• Applicable Under Mineral Oil: Unlike many adhesives, KWIK-CAST can be applied under mineral oil — a common necessity in peripheral nerve dissection protocols where the nerve must remain moist throughout the procedure.
• Not Inhibited by Tissue Contamination: Cures reliably even in the presence of blood, peritoneal fluid, and animal tissue — unlike vinyl-based silicones that are strongly inhibited by biological contaminants.
• Ready-to-Use Format: Pre-filled double-barrel syringe with 10 mixing tips ensures automatic 1:1 mixing on extrusion. Includes new low-leakage mixing tip design. No manual preparation or waste.
• Available Sterile: KWIK-CAST-S is a sterile single-syringe version for survival surgeries and protocols requiring aseptic conditions.