Synthesis and characterization of a solvent-based acrylate pressure adhesive for transdermal drug delivery

Abstract

AbstractThe present investigation was directed towards the synthesis of a copolymer of vinyl acetate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methacrylic acid and acrylamide to be exploited as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) in transdermal drug delivery systems. The experimental methodology involved the optimization of reaction conditions for the polymer synthesis. The optimal synthesis conditions of PSA were determined as that polymerization reaction of PSA in ethyl acetate with BPO of 0.5% w/w of reactants at 75 oC throughout the whole process with polymerization reaction time of eight hours. The copolymer was then characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and DSC. The PSA was also evaluated for residual monomer content, viscosity, tack, peel adhesion and drug release behavior. The synthesized PSA’s tack is 21#; peel adhesion is 1.39 N/mm. And the residual monomers content in the copolymer after polymerizing for eight hours are VAc 2.98%, BA 0.004%. The PSA also exhibited excellent drug release behavior. Membranes containing oxybutynin were capable of releasing in zero order fashion. It was found that the release velocity depended on the concentration of modified monomer. Drug release from those membranes could be easily tailored by changing the content of the modified monomers. It was found suitable for use in transdermals and could be further exploited either as an adhesive or as a system component in the area of transdermal drug delivery.