Synthesis of SIS-based hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesives for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic drugs

A series of epoxidized styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS) copolymer was obtained with in situ epoxidation. Their epoxidation degrees were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. SIS, Epoxidized SIS (ESIS), C5 resin, mineral oil and antioxidants were melt-blended to prepare SIS/ESIS-based hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSAs). Their compatibility was studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The adhesive performances of the HMPSAs were measured, including holding power and 180° peel strength. Geniposide was chosen as a representative hydrophilic drug and it’s in vitro release behavior in the HMPSAs was investigated using a modified Franz type horizontal diffusion cells. It was shown that SIS was successfully epoxidized without side reactions. Although the epoxidation impaired the compatibility between ESIS and other additives, the 180° peel strength increased with the epoxidation degrees of ESIS. Furthermore, the in vitro release behavior of hydrophilic drugs was obviously enhanced with the increment of epoxidation degrees.