Silicone absorption of elastomeric closures--an accelerated study

PDA J Pharm Sci Technol. 1998 Jan-Feb;52(1):19-22.

Abstract

There is a trend in the parenteral industry to move from the use of elastomeric closures which are washed, siliconized, dried and sterilized in-house at the pharmaceutical manufacturers' site to pre-prepared closures purchased from the closure supplier. This preparation can consist of washing to reduce particle-load and bioburden, siliconization, placement in ready-to-sterilize bags and may eventually extend to sterilization by steam autoclave or gamma irradiation. Since silicone oil lubrication is critical to the processability/machinability of closures, research was designed to investigate this phenomenon in closures prepared using the Westar RS (Ready-to-Sterilize) process. This paper presents the data gathered in a study of the characteristic of silicone absorption into elastomeric closures under accelerated conditions. Variables such as silicone viscosity, rubber formulation, effect of sterilization and others are considered.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Drug Industry
  • Rubber*
  • Silicone Oils*

Substances

  • Silicone Oils
  • Rubber