Loosely Cross-Linked Silicone Elastomer Blends and Topical Delivery

As a remarkable example of the emergence of polymers in the development of advanced pharmaceuticals, silicones have definitively proven their suitability for elaborating new therapeutic forms. Thanks to their biocompatibility and versatility, silicones are used in the preparation of various types of drug delivery systems, from simple creams to more complex transdermal patch or subcutaneous implanted devices. Topical applications would certainly benefit from the latest innovation in the silicone elastomer technology with Loosely Cross-linked Silicone Elastomer Blends . This chapter describes the application of loosely cross-linked silicone elastomer blends in topical drug delivery. Materials based on this technology were formed into elastomeric matrices and tested for estradiol release rates over 24 hours. These results were compared to other types of silicone materials tested in the same manner. The patches made from the loosely cross-linked silicone elastomer blends showed noteworthy 24-hour cumulative release rates of 45% to 58%. The other silicone materials tested showed 24-hour release rates that ranged from l% to 12%.