title: An in-vitro evaluation of silicone elastomer latex for topical drug delivery.
abstract: A silicone elastomer latex was evaluated as a topical drug-delivery system. With the addition of a fumed silica and the removal of water, the latex produced elastomeric solid films. The water vapour permeability of the solid film was found to be a function of the film composition. An increase in silica content and the incorporation of a water-soluble component, PEG 3350, rendered the silicone elastomer-free film even more permeable to water vapour. The release of hydrocortisone from the elastomer film can be described by a matrix-diffusion-controlled mechanism. Drug diffusion is thought to occur through the hydrophobic silicone polymer network and the hydrated hydrophilic silica region in the film matrix. Silicone elastomer film with a higher silica content exhibited a faster drug-release rate. The addition of PEG 3350 to the film further enhanced the drug-release rate.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: N T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Vu
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D004058:Diffusion; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D006854:Hydrocortisone