Reduction of Progesterone Release Rate Through Silicone Membranes by Plasma Polymerization

Abstract

An investigation was performed to determine the effectiveness of thin plasma-polymerized films and CASING for controlling the flux of progesterone through poly-(dimethyl siloxane) membranes. It was concluded that up to 40-fold reductions in flux could be achieved with plasma-polymerized films. The principal factors affecting the extent of flux reduction were the nature of the monomer used (ethylene, ethane and tetrafluoroethylene), the film thickness, and the deposition conditions. CASING (Crosslinking by Activated Species of Inert Gases) of the poly-(dimethyl siloxane) membrane surface also proved effective in reducing the flux of progesterone through it.