Longer Acting Injectable: Continuous, Linear Release of a Progestin Contraceptive From an Oxidized Porous Silicon Host.

ABSTRACT: Maintaining stable drug concentrations in the bloodstream is a challenge for injectable hydrophobic progestin contraceptives. This work investigates porous silicon dioxide (pSiO₂) microparticles as a delivery vehicle for progestins via melt-infiltration of drugs into the mesopores. The pSiO₂ is prepared through electrochemical anodization of single-crystalline silicon followed by thermal oxidation, yielding vertically oriented pores (≈50 nm diameter) with porosity varied (between 35-75%) to optimize drug loading and release. Among the progestins tested, etonogestrel and levonorgestrel (LNG) decompose near their melting points, preventing melt infiltration. However, addition of 20% cholesterol by mass suppresses the melting point of LNG sufficiently to enable loading w

SUBMITTER: Hollett G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506854 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature