Preparation of ibuprofen‐loaded HDPE tubular devices for application as urinary catheters

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this study, high‐density polyethylene tubes with the incorporation of ibuprofen (IBP) were investigated with a view to their application as urinary catheters. The melt extrusion process was used to prepare the urinary catheters, and the influence of the manufacturing parameters on the material properties was evaluated. Samples prepared at lower temperature resulted in a more homogeneous material with a smoother surface, lower crystallinity, and better mechanical properties. The drug release was faster in the first 4 days, due to the accumulation of the drug on the outer surface of tubes. The concentration of IBP released was similar to the drug content in commercially available topic formulations (5%). Furthermore, after 2 days of immersion, the release achieved the concentration known to inhibit bacterial growth (6 mg/mL). These characteristics indicate that this material has good potential for application in urinary catheters. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45661.