Release behavior of copper ion in a novel contraceptive composite.
OBJECTIVE
The universally used contraceptive method, the Cu-IUD, an effective contraceptive, is being increasingly used worldwide for family planning. To avoid abnormal bleeding, pain, partial and complete expulsion associated with the burst release of copper during the first few days, a novel cross-linked composite based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) that contains copper ions, but not metallic copper, was synthesized.


METHODS
PVA, well known for its good processability, high strength, long-term temperature and pH stability and biocompatibility, was used as the matrix material. The corrosion products and the release rate of copper ions after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time spans were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectrophotometer.


RESULTS
No significant change on time dependence for the release rate of copper ions in the composite compared with that of metallic copper was found. Moreover, no other new elements, such as P, Cl and Ca, appeared on the surface of the composite and no Cu(2)O formed after immersing in SBF for 90 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Burst release of copper ions can be avoided by loading copper ions in this polymer material. Release channels would not be obstructed by the deposition of corrosion products and nearly all of the copper loaded in the composites could be an effective contraceptive.
Li
Juan
J
State Key Laboratory of Mould Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
Suo
Jinping
J
Huang
Xunbin
X
Ye
Chang
C
Wu
Xiwang
X
D001826:Body Fluids; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000737:chemistry*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D008422:Materials Testing; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003300:Copper; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol