Silicone Polymers in Controlled Drug Delivery Systems: A Review

In this paper some of the latest studies and research works conducted on siliconebased drug delivery systems (DDS) are reviewed and some of more specific and important novel drug delivery devices are discussed in detail. An overview on rapidly growing developments on silicone-based drug delivery systems is provided by presenting the necessary fundamental knowledge on silicone polymers and a literature survey including an introductory account on some of the drugs that are diffused through silicone polymers. The results based on vast investigations over a period of a decade indicate that intravaginal and transdermal routes of administration of the drugs using silicone-based DDS are more developed. It is also found that silicone polymers are suitable candidates for the release of hormonal steroids for controlling the estrous cycle. Finally, some commercially available silicone-based DDS are described.