ZERO-ORDER CONTROLLED-RELEASE KINETICS THROUGH POLYMER MATRICES

Kyle Douglas, James Farber, Steven Flynn, Janie Gu, Vivian Qin, Jenny Shih, Jake Silberg, Anita Wamakima

Advisor: Dr. David Cincotta
Assistant: Jeremy Tang

ABSTRACT

Controlled-release technology involves the diffusion of molecules into an environment at a constant rate. A zero-order control-release prototype utilizing vapor pressure equilibrium was developed by placing liquid organic substances into a petri dish covered with a polymer membrane. Three organic substances with differing polarities (ethyl acetate, hexane, and 2-pentanol) were each tested through three different polymer membranes (polyethylene, 10% ethylene-vinyl acetate, and 12% ethylene-vinyl acetate). The release rates of these various molecule-polymer combinations were measured and compared to the predictions of established solubility parameters. The results of the experiment demonstrated a constant rate of release and indicated that polarity had a significant effect on rate. However, other factors such as the crystallinity of the polymer membranes, vapor pressure, and molecule-polymer affinity may have influenced the results as well. The research provided the groundwork for further studies in zero-order release mechanisms.