Crosslinked silicone as polymeric matrix in drug delivery system

Silicone is an important bio material used mostly as breast prostheses. However, its use as matrix for drug delivery requires further investigation. Presence of oligomers and catalysis residues can be a concern. This work proposes to study the use of a catalysis-free system as a way of crosslinking. Two medical-grades oligomers of silicone were evaluated. The crosslinking was performed by ionizing radiation and physical-chemical properties as well as biocompatibility were assessed. Both grades achieved high gel content determined by gel fraction measurement. The cytotoxicity assay, also confirmed no toxicity property of the material. (author)