Forming Effect of Plasma Treatment on Wettability and Water-Soluble Microneedles of Silicone Rubber.

Silicone rubber molds were treated with air plasma and used to prepare polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone water-soluble microneedles. The effects of plasma treatment on mold wettability, coating adhesion, micro-needle yield and mechanical properties were discussed. The results showed that plasma treatment could generate polar hydrophilic groups on the surface of the mold, improve the wettability of the mold, the adhesion of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone coating, and elevate the yield rate of micro-needles and the overall mechanical properties. With the prolongation of plasma treatment time, the wettability of the mold, the yield rate of microneedles and the mechanical properties increased increased and then decreased. When the silicone rubber mold was treated with air plasma for 6-8 minutes, water-soluble microneedles with a complete structure, good mechanical property and easy demolding ability could be prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]