Technology of an adhesive silicone film as drug carrier in transdermal therapy. I: Analytical methods used for characterization and design of the universal elastomer layers

Silicone polymers possess unique properties, which make them suitable for many different applications, for example in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. To create an adhesive silicone film, the appropriate silicone components have to be chosen first. From these components two layers were made: an adhesive elastomer applied on the skin, and a non-adhesive elastomer on the other side of the film. The aim of this study was to identify a set of analytical methods that can be used for detailed characterization of the elastomer layers, as needed when designing new silicone films. More specifically, the following methods were combined to detailed identification of the silicone components: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FUR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) and size exclusion chromatography with evaporative light scattering detector (SEC-ELSD). It was demonstrated that these methods together with a rheological analysis are suitable for controlling the cross-linking reaction, thus obtaining the desired properties of the silicone film. Adhesive silicone films can be used as universal materials for medical use, particularly for effective treatment of scars and keloids or as drug carriers in transdermal therapy.