Heparin release from hydrophobic polymers: (I) In vitro studies

Abstract

The release of heparin from monolithic devices composed of different ratios of polyethylene oxide (PEO MW 20, 000) and hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane or polyurethane was investigated. Water soluble PEO blended into the polymers provided a controlled release of heparin. The release rate of heparin could be controlled by varying the content of PEO. The heparin release rate from the devices increased as the content of PEO in the devices increased. The release mechanism may be associated with the creation of pore or domain through the devices following the swelling and the change in the physical structure of the polymer network. Hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxanes and polyurethanes containing PEO can provide and antithrombogenic material for prolonged release of heparin from a heparin blended system. © 1986, 1986. All rights reserved.