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Novel Elastomer Compositions for Use in Drug Delivery Medical Devises

Project manager: Professor Elias Siores

Tel ext 01204 903501

The overall aim of this research project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the properties of the butyl elastomer and thermoplastic elastomer composite materials in order to understand and enhance the performance of the components in medical devices. These materials are composites of polar inorganic fillers and other functional low molecular organic additives. The composites are produced by a physical high shear mixing process. During service they are exposed to drug formulations. The materials thus have to be inert and non toxic and must not leach out and contaminate drug mixtures. A basic understanding of their morphology and changes that occur during service life is not well understood. The thermoplastic elastomer composites being semi-crystalline are sensitive to the effect of temperature on maintaining their elastic properties and resistance to fluids. They tend to soften at elevated temperatures and in dynamic use shred filler particles as contaminants. These materials if proved to be suitable for medical applications will offer a new, lower cost method of producing pharmaceutical devices. A fundamental study of these aspects will enhance Bespak’s ability in promoting the materials in current and new applications.

Academic department the project sits within: CMRI

Partners: Bespak is a leading supplier of drug delivery technologies and services to the pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. The company has comprehensive capabilities in medical device manufacturing and in the R&D of drug delivery science and technology. Bespak has recently developed and patented a butyl elastomer suitable for sealing pressurised metered dose inhalers for asthmatic drug delivery. It is highly impermeable to moisture and gases and has shown advantages over the current range of sealing materials. Novel proprietary thermoplastic elastomer compositions have also been developed for sealing medical devices.

Funder(s): EPSRC and Bespak