SEBS block copolymers as novel materials to design transdermal patches

Styrene-block-(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-styrene (SEBS) copolymers are biocompatible elastomers with outstanding stability to UV radiation. This work addresses the potentialities of this class of elastomers for the development of transdermal patches. The influence of SEBS molecular weight, plasticizer and tackifier type on rheological pattern, debonding mechanisms, adhesive properties (i.e., tack, shear and peel adhesion) as well as on the in vitro biopharmaceutical performances (i.e., drug release and skin permeability) was investigated using ibuprofen as model drug. The relationships between the linear and non-linear rheological properties and the main adhesive and biopharmaceutical properties of the prepared patches have been demonstrated. The higher the viscous component of the matrix, the lower its cohesiveness and the faster the drug release rate. The in vitro skin permeability of ibuprofen was not limited by the polymeric matrix, even if compared to the commercial reference product. In conclusion, SEBS copolymers are suitable materials to design drug in-adhesive patches. In particular, SEBS-low molecular weight is the polymer worthy of consideration because of its favorable viscoelastic behavior.