Patent Grant
11148856
The present invention relates to the technical field of coated surfaces, for example interior surfaces of pharmaceutical packages or other vessels for storing or other contact with fluids. Examples of suitable fluids include foods or biologically active compounds or body fluids, for example blood. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical package or other vessel and to a method for coating an inner or interior surface of a pharmaceutical package or other vessel. The present invention also relates more generally to medical devices, including devices other than packages or vessels, for example catheters.
The present disclosure also relates to improved methods for processing pharmaceutical packages or other vessels, for example multiple identical pharmaceutical packages or other vessels used for pharmaceutical preparation storage and delivery, venipuncture and other medical sample collection, and other purposes. Such pharmaceutical packages or other vessels are used in large numbers for these purposes, and must be relatively economical to manufacture and yet highly reliable in storage and use.
One important consideration in manufacturing pharmaceutical packages or other vessels for storing or other contact with fluids, for example vials and pre-filled syringes, is that the contents of the pharmaceutical package or other vessel desirably will have a substantial shelf life. During this shelf life, it can be important to isolate the material filling the pharmaceutical package or other vessel from the vessel wall containing it, or from barrier coatings or layers or other functional layers applied to the pharmaceutical package or other vessel wall to avoid leaching material from the pharmaceutical package or other vessel wall, barrier coating or layer, or other functional layers into the prefilled contents or vice versa.
Since many of these pharmaceutical packages or other vessels are inexpensive and used in large quantities, for certain applications it will be useful to reliably obtain the necessary shelf life without increasing the manufacturing cost to a prohibitive level.
For decades, most parenteral therapeutics have been delivered to end users in Type I medical grade borosilicate glass vessels such as vials or pre-filled syringes. The relatively strong, impermeable and inert surface of borosilicate glass has performed adequately for most drug products. However, the recent advent of costly, complex and sensitive biologics as well as such advanced delivery systems as auto injectors has exposed the physical and chemical shortcomings of glass pharmaceutical packages or other vessels, including possible contamination from metals, flaking, delamination, and breakage, among other problems. Moreover, glass contains several components which can leach out during storage and cause damage to the stored material.
In more detail, borosilicate pharmaceutical packages or other vessels exhibit a number of drawbacks.
Glass is manufactured from sand containing a heterogeneous mixture of many elements (silicon, oxygen, boron, aluminum, sodium, calcium) with trace levels of other alkali and earth metals. Type I borosilicate glass consists of approximately 76% SiO2, 10.5% B2O3, 5% Al2O3, 7% Na2O and 1.5% CaO and often contains trace metals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and others. The heterogeneous nature of borosilicate glass creates a non-uniform surface chemistry at the molecular level. Glass forming processes used to create glass vessels expose some portions of the vessels to temperatures as great as 1200° C. Under such high temperatures alkali ions migrate to the local surface and form oxides. The presence of ions extracted from borosilicate glass devices may be involved in degradation, aggregation and denaturation of some biologics. Many proteins and other biologics must be lyophilized (freeze dried), because they are not sufficiently stable in solution in glass vials or syringes.
In glass syringes, silicone oil is typically used as a lubricant to allow the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal to slide in the barrel. Silicone oil has been implicated in the precipitation of protein solutions such as insulin and some other biologics. Additionally, the silicone oil coating or layer is often non-uniform, resulting in syringe failures in the market.
Glass pharmaceutical packages or other vessels are prone to breakage or degradation during manufacture, filling operations, shipping and use, which means that glass particulates may enter the drug. The presence of glass particles has led to many FDA Warning Letters and to product recalls.
Glass-forming processes do not yield the tight dimensional tolerances required for some of the newer auto-injectors and delivery systems.
As a result, some companies have turned to plastic pharmaceutical packages or other vessels, which provide tighter dimensional tolerances and less breakage than glass.
Although plastic is superior to glass with respect to breakage, dimensional tolerances and surface uniformity, its use for primary pharmaceutical packaging remains limited due to the following shortcomings:
Gas (oxygen) permeability: Plastic allows small molecule gases to permeate into (or out of) the device. The permeability of plastics to gases can be significantly greater than that of glass and, in many cases (as with oxygen-sensitive drugs such as epinephrine), plastics previously have been unacceptable for that reason.
Water vapor transmission: Plastics allow water vapor to pass through devices to a greater degree than glass. This can be detrimental to the shelf life of a solid (lyophilized) drug. Alternatively, a liquid product may lose water in an arid environment.
Leachables and extractables: Plastic pharmaceutical packages or other vessels contain organic compounds that can leach out or be extracted into the drug product. These compounds can contaminate the drug and/or negatively impact the drug's stability.
Clearly, while plastic and glass pharmaceutical packages or other vessels each offer certain advantages in pharmaceutical primary packaging, neither is optimal for all drugs, biologics or other therapeutics. Thus, there can be a desire for plastic pharmaceutical packages or other vessels, in particular plastic syringes, with gas and solute barrier properties which approach the properties of glass. Moreover, there can be a need for plastic syringes with sufficient lubricity and/or passivation or protective properties and a lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating which can be compatible with the syringe contents. There also can be a need for glass vessels with surfaces that do not tend to delaminate or dissolve or leach constituents when in contact with the vessel contents.
There are additional considerations to be taken into account when manufacturing a prefilled syringe. Prefilled syringes are commonly prepared and sold so the syringe does not need to be filled before use, and can be disposed of after use. The syringe can be prefilled with saline solution, a dye for injection, or a pharmaceutically active preparation, for some examples.
Commonly, the prefilled syringe can be capped at the distal end, as with a cap (or, if the hypodermic needle is preinstalled, a needle shield that can also be a cap), and can be closed at the proximal end by its drawn plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal. The prefilled syringe can be wrapped in a sterile package before use. To use the prefilled syringe, the packaging and cap are removed, optionally a hypodermic needle or another delivery conduit can be attached to the distal end of the barrel, the delivery conduit or syringe can be moved to a use position (such as by inserting the hypodermic needle into a patient's blood vessel or into apparatus to be rinsed with the contents of the syringe), and the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal can be advanced in the barrel to inject the contents of the barrel.
An important consideration regarding medical syringes can be to ensure that the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal can move at a constant speed and with a constant force when it is pressed into the barrel. A similar consideration applies to vessels such as pharmaceutical vials which have to be closed by a stopper, and to the stopper itself, and more generally to any surface which is to provide smooth operation of moving parts and/or be passivated or protectively coated.
A non-exhaustive list of documents of possible relevance includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,901,783; 6,068,884; 4,844,986; and 8,067,070 and U.S. Publ. Appl. Nos. 2008/0090039, 2011/0152820, 2006/0046006 and 2004/0267194. These documents are all incorporated by reference.
An aspect of the invention is a filled package comprising a vessel, a barrier coating or layer, and a passivation layer or pH protective coating on the vessel, and a fluid composition contained in the vessel. The calculated shelf life of the package can be more than six months at a storage temperature of 4° C.
The vessel can have a lumen defined at least in part by a wall. The wall can have an interior surface facing the lumen and an outer surface.
The barrier coating or layer comprises SiOx, wherein x is from 1.5 to 2.9, from 2 to 1000 nm thick. The barrier coating or layer of SiOx can have an interior surface facing the lumen and an outer surface facing the wall interior surface.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating comprises SiOxCy or SiNxCy wherein x is from about 0.5 to about 2.4 and y is from about 0.6 to about 3. Optionally in one embodiment, x can be about 1.1 and y can be about 1.1. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can have an interior surface facing the lumen and an outer surface facing the interior surface of the barrier coating or layer. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be effective to increase the calculated shelf life of the package (total Si/Si dissolution rate).
The fluid composition can be contained in the lumen and can have a pH between 4 and 10, alternatively between 5 and 9.
Another aspect of the invention can be a filled package comprising a vessel, a passivation layer or pH protective coating on the vessel, and a fluid composition contained in the vessel.
The vessel can have a lumen defined at least in part by a wall. The wall can have an interior surface comprising glass facing the lumen and an outer surface.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating comprises SiOxCy or SiNxCy wherein x is from about 0.5 to about 2.4 and y is from about 0.6 to about 3. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can have an interior surface facing the lumen and an outer surface facing the interior surface of the barrier coating or layer. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be effective to decrease the Si dissolution rate of the glass interior surface.
The fluid composition can be contained in the lumen and can have a pH between 4 and 10, alternatively between 5 and 9.
Still another aspect of the invention can be an article comprising a wall, a barrier coating or layer, and a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
The wall can have an interior surface facing the lumen.
The barrier coating or layer comprises SiOx, wherein x is from 1.5 to 2.9, from 2 to 1000 nm thick. The barrier coating or layer of SiOx can have an interior surface facing the lumen and an outer surface facing the wall interior surface. The barrier coating or layer can be effective to reduce the ingress of atmospheric gas through the wall compared to an uncoated wall.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be on the barrier coating or layer, optionally with one or more intervening layers, and comprises SiOxCy or SiNxCy wherein x is from about 0.5 to about 2.4 and y is from about 0.6 to about 3. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be formed by chemical vapor deposition of a precursor selected from a linear siloxane, a monocyclic siloxane, a polycyclic siloxane, a polysilsesquioxane, a linear silazane, a monocyclic silazane, a polycyclic silazane, a polysilsesquiazane, a silatrane, a silquasilatrane, a silproatrane, an azasilatrane, an azasilquasiatrane, an azasilproatrane, or a combination of any two or more of these precursors. The rate of erosion of the passivation layer or pH protective coating, if directly contacted by a fluid composition having a pH between 4 and 10, alternatively between 5 and 9, can be less than the rate of erosion of the barrier coating or layer, if directly contacted by the fluid composition.
Even another aspect of the invention can be a vessel comprising a wall, a fluid contained in the vessel, a barrier coating or layer, and a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
The wall can be a thermoplastic wall having an interior surface enclosing a lumen.
The fluid can be disposed in the lumen and can have a pH greater than 5.
The barrier coating or layer comprises SiOx, in which x is between 1.5 and 2.9. The barrier coating or layer can be applied by PECVD. The barrier coating or layer can be positioned between the interior surface of the thermoplastic wall and the fluid, and supported by the thermoplastic wall. The barrier coating or layer commonly can have the characteristic of being subject to being measurably diminished in barrier improvement factor in less than six months as a result of attack by the fluid, although this is not a required feature of the invention.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating comprises SiOxCy, in which x is between 0.5 and 2.4 and y is between 0.6 and 3. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be applied by PECVD, and can be positioned between the barrier coating or layer and the fluid. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be supported by the thermoplastic wall. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be effective to keep the barrier coating or layer at least substantially undissolved as a result of attack by the fluid for a period of at least six months.
Yet another aspect of the invention can be a composite material comprising a substrate, a barrier coating or layer over the substrate, and a passivation layer or pH protective coating (which can have the same function as the passivation layer referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070) over the barrier coating or layer. The passivation layer or pH protective coating shows an FTIR absorbance ratio of greater than 0.75 between: (1) the maximum amplitude of the Si—O—Si symmetrical stretch peak of an FTIR spectrum between about 1000 and 1040 cm−1, and (2) the maximum amplitude of the Si—O—Si assymmetric stretch peak of the FTIR spectrum between about 1060 and about 1100 cm−1.
Optionally, the vessel further includes an opening communicating with the lumen and a closure. The method optionally further includes placing a fluid in the lumen via the opening and closing the opening with the closure. The fluid can be a pharmaceutical fluid such as a drug, for example.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the present disclosure and claims.
The following reference characters are used in the drawing figures:
In the context of the present invention, the following definitions and abbreviations are used:
RF is radio frequency.
The term “at least” in the context of the present invention means “equal or more” than the integer following the term. The word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality unless indicated otherwise. Whenever a parameter range is indicated, it is intended to disclose the parameter values given as limits of the range and all values of the parameter falling within said range.
“First” and “second” or similar references to, for example, processing stations or processing devices refer to the minimum number of processing stations or devices that are present, but do not necessarily represent the order or total number of processing stations and devices. These terms do not limit the number of processing stations or the particular processing carried out at the respective stations.
For purposes of the present invention, an “organosilicon precursor” is a compound having at least one of the linkages:
which is a tetravalent silicon atom connected to an oxygen or nitrogen atom and an organic carbon atom (an organic carbon atom being a carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom). A volatile organosilicon precursor, defined as such a precursor that can be supplied as a vapor in a PECVD apparatus, can be an optional organosilicon precursor. Optionally, the organosilicon precursor can be selected from the group consisting of a linear siloxane, a monocyclic siloxane, a polycyclic siloxane, a polysilsesquioxane, an alkyl trimethoxysilane, a linear silazane, a monocyclic silazane, a polycyclic silazane, a polysilsesquiazane, and a combination of any two or more of these precursors.
The feed amounts of PECVD precursors, gaseous reactant or process gases, and carrier gas are sometimes expressed in “standard volumes” in the specification and claims. The standard volume of a charge or other fixed amount of gas is the volume the fixed amount of the gas would occupy at a standard temperature and pressure (without regard to the actual temperature and pressure of delivery). Standard volumes can be measured using different units of volume, and still be within the scope of the present disclosure and claims. For example, the same fixed amount of gas could be expressed as the number of standard cubic centimeters, the number of standard cubic meters, or the number of standard cubic feet. Standard volumes can also be defined using different standard temperatures and pressures, and still be within the scope of the present disclosure and claims. For example, the standard temperature might be 0° C. and the standard pressure might be 760 Torr (as is conventional), or the standard temperature might be 20° C. and the standard pressure might be 1 Torr. But whatever standard is used in a given case, when comparing relative amounts of two or more different gases without specifying particular parameters, the same units of volume, standard temperature, and standard pressure are to be used relative to each gas, unless otherwise indicated.
The corresponding feed rates of PECVD precursors, gaseous reactant or process gases, and carrier gas are expressed in standard volumes per unit of time in the specification. For example, in the working examples the flow rates are expressed as standard cubic centimeters per minute, abbreviated as sccm. As with the other parameters, other units of time can be used, such as seconds or hours, but consistent parameters are to be used when comparing the flow rates of two or more gases, unless otherwise indicated.
A “vessel” in the context of the present invention can be any type of article with at least one opening and a wall defining an inner or interior surface. The substrate can be the inside wall of a vessel having a lumen. Though the invention is not necessarily limited to pharmaceutical packages or other vessels of a particular volume, pharmaceutical packages or other vessels are contemplated in which the lumen can have a void volume of from 0.5 to 50 mL, optionally from 1 to 10 mL, optionally from 0.5 to 5 mL, optionally from 1 to 3 mL. The substrate surface can be part or all of the inner or interior surfaceinner or interior surface of a vessel having at least one opening and an inner or interior surfaceinner or interior surface.
A vessel in the context of the present invention can have one or more openings. One or two openings, like the openings of a sample tube (one opening) or a syringe barrel (two openings) are preferred. If the vessel has two openings, they can be the same size or different sizes. If there is more than one opening, one opening can be used for the gas inlet for a PECVD coating method according to the present invention, while the other openings are either capped or open. A vessel according to the present invention can be a sample tube, for example for collecting or storing biological fluids like blood or urine, a syringe (or a part thereof, for example a syringe barrel) for storing or delivering a biologically active compound or composition, for example a medicament or pharmaceutical composition, a vial for storing biological materials or biologically active compounds or compositions, a pipe, for example a catheter for transporting biological materials or biologically active compounds or compositions, or a cuvette for holding fluids, for example for holding biological materials or biologically active compounds or compositions.
The vessel can be provided with a reagent or preservative for sample collection or analysis. For example, a vessel for blood collection can have an inner or interior surface defining a lumen and an exterior surface, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be on the inner or interior surface, and the vessel can contain a compound or composition in its lumen, for example citrate or a citrate containing composition.
A vessel can be of any shape, a vessel having a substantially cylindrical wall adjacent to at least one of its open ends being preferred. Generally, the interior wall of the vessel can be cylindrically shaped, like, for example in a sample tube or a syringe barrel. Sample tubes and syringes or their parts (for example syringe barrels) are contemplated.
A “hydrophobic layer” in the context of the present invention means that the coating or layer lowers the wetting tension of a surface coated with the coating or layer, compared to the corresponding uncoated surface. Hydrophobicity can be thus a function of both the uncoated substrate and the coating or layer. The same applies with appropriate alterations for other contexts wherein the term “hydrophobic” is used. The term “hydrophilic” means the opposite, i.e. that the wetting tension is increased compared to reference sample. The present hydrophobic layers are primarily defined by their hydrophobicity and the process conditions providing hydrophobicity. Suitable hydrophobic coatings or layers and their application, properties, and use are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188. Dual functional passivation layers or pH protective coatings that also have the properties of hydrophobic coatings or layers can be provided for any embodiment of the present invention.
The values of w, x, y, and z are applicable to the empirical composition SiwOxCyHz throughout this specification. The values of w, x, y, and z used throughout this specification should be understood as ratios or an empirical formula (for example for a coating or layer), rather than as a limit on the number or type of atoms in a molecule. For example, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, which has the molecular composition Si4O4C8H24, can be described by the following empirical formula, arrived at by dividing each of w, x, y, and z in the molecular formula by 4, the largest common factor: Si1O1C2H6. The values of w, x, y, and z are also not limited to integers. For example, (acyclic) octamethyltrisiloxane, molecular composition Si3O2C8H24, is reducible to Si1O0.67C2.67H8. Also, although SiOxCyHz can be described as equivalent to SiOxCy, it is not necessary to show the presence of hydrogen in any proportion to show the presence of SiOxCy.
“Wetting tension” is a specific measure for the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of a surface. An optional wetting tension measurement method in the context of the present invention is ASTM D 2578 or a modification of the method described in ASTM D 2578. This method uses standard wetting tension solutions (called dyne solutions) to determine the solution that comes nearest to wetting a plastic film surface for exactly two seconds. This is the film's wetting tension. The procedure utilized can be varied herein from ASTM D 2578 in that the substrates are not flat plastic films, but are tubes made according to the Protocol for Forming PET Tube and (except for controls) coated according to the Protocol for coating Tube Interior with Hydrophobic Coating or Layer (see Example 9 of EP2251671 A2).
A “lubricity coating or layer” according to the present invention is a coating or layer which has a lower frictional resistance than the uncoated surface.
A “passivation layer or pH protective coating” according to the present invention passivates or protects an underlying surface or layer from a fluid composition contacting the layer (as more extensively defined elsewhere in this specification).
“Frictional resistance” can be static frictional resistance and/or kinetic frictional resistance.
One of the optional embodiments of the present invention can be a syringe part, for example a syringe barrel or plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal, coated with a lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating. In this contemplated embodiment, the relevant static frictional resistance in the context of the present invention is the breakout force as defined herein, and the relevant kinetic frictional resistance in the context of the present invention is the plunger sliding force as defined herein. For example, the plunger sliding force as defined and determined herein is suitable to determine the presence or absence and the lubricity and/or passivating or protective characteristics of a lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating in the context of the present invention whenever the coating or layer is applied to any syringe or syringe part, for example to the inner wall of a syringe barrel. The breakout force can be of particular relevance for evaluation of the coating or layer effect on a prefilled syringe, i.e. a syringe which can be filled after coating and can be stored for some time, for example several months or even years, before the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal is moved again (has to be “broken out”).
The “plunger sliding force” (synonym to “glide force,” “maintenance force”, or Fm, also used in this description) in the context of the present invention is the force required to maintain movement of a plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal in a syringe barrel, for example during aspiration or dispense. It can advantageously be determined using the ISO 7886-1:1993 test described herein and known in the art. A synonym for “plunger sliding force” often used in the art is “plunger force” or “pushing force”.
The “plunger breakout force” (synonym to “breakout force”, “break loose force”, “initation force”, Fi, also used in this description) in the context of the present invention is the initial force required to move the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal in a syringe, for example in a prefilled syringe.
Both “plunger sliding force” and “plunger breakout force” and methods for their measurement are described in more detail in subsequent parts of this description. These two forces can be expressed in N, lbs or kg and all three units are used herein. These units correlate as follows: 1N=0.102 kg=0.2248 lbs (pounds).
Sliding force and breakout force are sometimes used herein to describe the forces required to advance a stopper or other closure into a pharmaceutical package or other vessel, such as a medical sample tube or a vial, to seat the stopper in a vessel to close the vessel. Its use can be analogous to use in the context of a syringe and its plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal, and the measurement of these forces for a vessel and its closure are contemplated to be analogous to the measurement of these forces for a syringe, except that at least in most cases no liquid is ejected from a vessel when advancing the closure to a seated position.
“Slidably” means that the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal or other removable part can be permitted to slide in a syringe barrel or other vessel.
Coatings of SiOx are deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or other chemical vapor deposition processes on the vessel of a pharmaceutical package, in particular a thermoplastic package, to serve as a barrier coating or layer preventing oxygen, air, carbon dioxide, or other gases from entering the vessel and/or to prevent leaching of the pharmaceutical material into or through the package wall. The barrier coating or layer can be effective to reduce the ingress of atmospheric gas, for example oxygen, into the lumen compared to a vessel without a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
In any embodiment the vapor-deposited coating or layer optionally can also, or alternatively, be a solute barrier coating or layer. A concern of converting from glass to plastic syringes centers around the potential for leachable materials from plastics. With plasma coating technology, the coatings or layers derived from non-metal gaseous precursors, for example HMDSO or OMCTS or other organosilicon compounds, will contain no trace metals and function as a barrier coating or layer to inorganic, metals and organic solutes, preventing leaching of these species from the coated substrate into syringe fluids. In addition to leaching control of plastic syringes, the same plasma passivation layer or pH protective coating technology offers potential to provide a solute barrier to the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal, typically made of elastomeric plastic compositions containing even higher levels of leachable organic oligomers and catalysts.
Moreover, certain syringes prefilled with synthetic and biological pharmaceutical formulations are very oxygen and moisture sensitive. A critical factor in the conversion from glass to plastic syringe barrels will be the improvement of plastic oxygen and moisture barrier performance. The plasma passivation layer or pH protective coating technology can be suitable to maintain the SiOx barrier coating or layer or layer for protection against oxygen and moisture over an extended shelf life.
Examples of solutes in drugs usefully excluded by a barrier layer in any embodiment include antibacterial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, pH buffers, and combinations of any of these. In any embodiment the vapor-deposited coating or layer optionally can be a solvent barrier coating or layer for a solvent comprising a co-solvent used to increase drug solubilization.
In any embodiment the vapor-deposited coating or layer optionally can be a barrier coating or layer for water, glycerin, propylene glycol, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, acetone, benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, cotton seed oil, benzene, dioxane, or combinations of any two or more of these.
In any embodiment the vapor-deposited coating or layer optionally can be a metal ion barrier coating or layer.
In any embodiment the vapor-deposited coating or layer optionally can be a barrel wall material barrier coating or layer, to prevent or reduce the leaching of barrel material such as any of the base barrel resins mentioned previously and any other ingredients in their respective compositions.
The inventors have found, however, that such barrier coatings or layers or coatings of SiOx are eroded or dissolved by some fluid compositions, for example aqueous compositions having a pH above about 5. Since coatings applied by chemical vapor deposition can be very thin—tens to hundreds of nanometers thick—even a relatively slow rate of erosion can remove or reduce the effectiveness of the barrier coating or layer in less time than the desired shelf life of a product package. This can be particularly a problem for fluid pharmaceutical compositions, since many of them have a pH of roughly 7, or more broadly in the range of 5 to 9, similar to the pH of blood and other human or animal fluids. The higher the pH of the pharmaceutical preparation, the more quickly it erodes or dissolves the SiOx coating.
The inventors have further found that without a protective coating borosilicate glass surfaces are eroded or dissolved by some fluid compositions, for example aqueous compositions having a pH above about 5. This can be particularly a problem for fluid pharmaceutical compositions, since many of them have a pH of roughly 7, or more broadly in the range of 5 to 9, similar to the pH of blood and other human or animal fluids. The higher the pH of the pharmaceutical preparation, the more quickly it erodes or dissolves the glass. Delamination of the glass can also result from such erosion or dissolution, as small particles of glass are undercut by the aqueous compositions having a pH above about 5.
The inventors have further found that certain passivation layers or pH protective coatings of SiOxCy or SiNxCy formed from cyclic polysiloxane precursors, which passivation layers or pH protective coatings have a substantial organic component, do not erode quickly when exposed to fluid compositions, and in fact erode or dissolve more slowly when the fluid compositions have higher pHs within the range of 5 to 9. For example, at pH 8, the dissolution rate of a passivation layer or pH protective coating made from the precursor octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, or OMCTS, can be quite slow. These passivation layers or pH protective coatings of SiOxCy or SiNxCy can therefore be used to cover a barrier coating or layer of SiOx, retaining the benefits of the barrier coating or layer by passivating or protecting it from the fluid composition in the pharmaceutical package. These passivation layers or pH protective coatings of SiOxCy or SiNxCy also can be used to cover a glass surface, for example a borosilicate glass surface, preventing delamination, erosion and dissolution of the glass, by passivating or protecting it from the fluid composition in the pharmaceutical package.
Although the present invention does not depend upon the accuracy of the following theory, it is believed that the material properties of an effective SiOxCy passivation layer or pH protective coating and those of an effective lubricity layer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188 and in International Application PCT/US11/36097 are similar in some instances, such that a coating having the characteristics of a lubricity layer as described in certain working examples of this specification, U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188, or International Application PCT/US11/36097 will also in certain cases serve as well as a passivation layer or pH protective coating to passivate or protect the barrier coating or layer of the package and vice versa.
Although the present invention does not depend upon the accuracy of the following theory, it is further believed that the most effective lubricity and/or passivation layers or pH protective coatings are those made from cyclic siloxanes and silazanes as described in this disclosure. SiOxCy or SiNxCy coatings deposited from linear siloxane or linear silazane precursors, for example hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), are believed to contain fragments of the original precursor to a large degree and low organic content. Such SiOxCy or SiNxCy coatings have a degree of water miscibility or swellability, allowing them to be attacked by aqueous solutions. SiOxCy or SiOxCy coatings deposited from cyclic siloxane or linear silazane precursors, for example octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS), however, are believed to include more intact cyclic siloxane rings and longer series of repeating units of the precursor structure. These coatings are believed to be nanoporous but structured and hydrophobic, and these properties are believed to contribute to their success as passivation layers or pH protective coatings. This is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,783.
The present invention will now be described more fully, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments are shown. This invention can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth here. Rather, these embodiments are examples of the invention, which has the full scope indicated by the language of the claims. Like numbers refer to like or corresponding elements throughout. The following disclosure relates to all embodiments unless specifically limited to a certain embodiment.
PECVD Treated Pharmaceutical Packages or Other Vessels
A vessel with a passivation layer or pH protective coating as described herein and/or prepared according to a method described herein can be used for reception and/or storage and/or delivery of a compound or composition. The compound or composition can be sensitive, for example air-sensitive, oxygen-sensitive, sensitive to humidity and/or sensitive to mechanical influences. It can be a biologically active compound or composition, for example a pharmaceutical preparation or medicament like insulin or a composition comprising insulin. A prefilled syringe can be especially considered which contains injectable or other liquid drugs like insulin.
In another aspect, the compound or composition can be a biological fluid, optionally a bodily fluid, for example blood or a blood fraction. In certain aspects of the present invention, the compound or composition can be a product to be administrated to a subject in need thereof, for example a product to be injected, like blood (as in transfusion of blood from a donor to a recipient or reintroduction of blood from a patient back to the patient) or insulin.
A vessel with a passivation layer or pH protective coating as described herein and/or prepared according to a method described herein can further be used for protecting a compound or composition contained in its interior space against mechanical and/or chemical effects of the surface of the vessel material. For example, it can be used for preventing or reducing precipitation and/or clotting or platelet activation of the compound or a component of the composition, for example insulin precipitation or blood clotting or platelet activation.
It can further be used for protecting a compound or composition contained in its interior against the environment outside of the pharmaceutical package or other vessel, for example by preventing or reducing the entry of one or more compounds from the environment surrounding the vessel into the interior space of the vessel. Such environmental compound can be a gas or liquid, for example an atmospheric gas or liquid containing oxygen, air, and/or water vapor.
Referring to the Figures, an aspect of the invention can be a method in which a barrier coating or layer 30 and a passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 are applied directly or indirectly applied to at least a portion of the interior wall 16 of a vessel, such as any of the pharmaceutical packages 210 of
Vessel Wall Construction
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the polymeric material can be a silicone elastomer or a thermoplastic polyurethane, as two examples, or any material suitable for contact with blood, or with insulin. For example, the use of a coated substrate according to any described embodiment is contemplated for storing insulin.
Optionally, as for the embodiments of
Optionally, the pharmaceutical package comprises a cartridge.
Optionally, as for the embodiments of
Optionally, as for the embodiments of
Optionally, the pharmaceutical package comprises an ampoule.
Alternatively, the vessel can be a length of tubing from about 1 cm to about 200 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 150 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 120 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 100 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 80 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 60 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 40 cm, optionally from about 1 cm to about 30 cm long, and processing it with a probe electrode as described below. Particularly for the longer lengths in the above ranges, it is contemplated that relative motion between thePECVD or other chemical vapor deposition probe and the vessel can be useful during passivation layer or pH protective coating formation. This can be done, for example, by moving the vessel with respect to the probe or moving the probe with respect to the vessel.
In these embodiments, it is contemplated that the barrier coating or layer discussed below can be thinner or less complete than would be preferred to provide the high gas barrier integrity needed in an evacuated blood collection tube, and thus the long shelf life needed to store a liquid material in contact with the barrier coating or layer for an extended period.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel can have a central axis. As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel wall can be sufficiently flexible to be flexed at least once at 20° C., without breaking the wall, over a range from at least substantially straight to a bending radius at the central axis of not more than 100 times as great as the outer diameter of the vessel.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the bending radius at the central axis can be, for example, not more than 90 times as great as, or not more than 80 times as great as, or not more than 70 times as great as, or not more than 60 times as great as, or not more than 50 times as great as, or not more than 40 times as great as, or not more than 30 times as great as, or not more than 20 times as great as, or not more than 10 times as great as, or not more than 9 times as great as, or not more than 8 times as great as, or not more than 7 times as great as, or not more than 6 times as great as, or not more than 5 times as great as, or not more than 4 times as great as, or not more than 3 times as great as, or not more than 2 times as great as, or not more than, the outer diameter of the vessel.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel wall can be a fluid-contacting surface made of flexible material.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel lumen can be the fluid flow passage of a pump.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel can be a blood containing vessel. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be effective to reduce the clotting or platelet activation of blood exposed to the inner or interior surface, compared to the same type of wall uncoated with a hydrophobic layer.
It is contemplated that the incorporation of a hydrophobic layer will reduce the adhesion or clot forming tendency of the blood, as compared to its properties in contact with an unmodified polymeric or SiOx surface. This property is contemplated to reduce or potentially eliminate the need for treating the blood with heparin, as by reducing the necessary blood concentration of heparin in a patient undergoing surgery of a type requiring blood to be removed from the patient and then returned to the patient, as when using a heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery. It is contemplated that this will reduce the complications of surgery involving the passage of blood through such a pharmaceutical package or other vessel, by reducing the bleeding complications resulting from the use of heparin.
Another embodiment can be a vessel including a wall and having an inner or interior surface defining a lumen. The inner or interior surface can have an at least partial passivation layer or pH protective coating that presents a hydrophobic surface, the thickness of the passivation layer or pH protective coating being from monomolecular thickness to about 1000 nm thick on the inner or interior surface, the passivation layer or pH protective coating being effective to reduce the clotting or platelet activation of blood exposed to the inner or interior surface.
Several non-limiting examples of such a vessel are a blood transfusion bag, a blood sample collection vessel in which a sample has been collected, the tubing of a heart-lung machine, a flexible-walled blood collection bag, or tubing used to collect a patient's blood during surgery and reintroduce the blood into the patient's vasculature. If the vessel includes a pump for pumping blood, a particularly suitable pump can be a centrifugal pump or a peristaltic pump. The vessel can have a wall; the wall can have an inner or interior surface defining a lumen. The inner or interior surface of the wall can have an at least partial passivation layer or pH protective coating of a protective layer, which optionally also presents a hydrophobic surface. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can be as thin as monomolecular thickness or as thick as about 1000 nm. Optionally, the vessel can contain blood viable for return to the vascular system of a patient disposed within the lumen in contact with the hydrophobic layer.
An embodiment can be a blood containing vessel including a wall and having an inner or interior surface defining a lumen. The inner or interior surface can have an at least partial passivation layer or pH protective coating that optionally also presents a hydrophobic surface. The passivation layer or pH protective coating can also comprise or consist essentially of SiOxCy where x and y are as defined in this specification. The vessel contains blood viable for return to the vascular system of a patient disposed within the lumen in contact with the hydrophobic coating or layer.
An embodiment can be carried out under conditions effective to form a hydrophobic passivation layer or pH protective coating on the substrate. Optionally, the hydrophobic characteristics of the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be set by setting the ratio of the oxidizing gas to the organosilicon precursor in the gaseous reactant, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma. Optionally, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can have a lower wetting tension than the uncoated surface, optionally a wetting tension of from 20 to 72 dyne/cm, optionally from 30 to 60 dynes/cm, optionally from 30 to 40 dynes/cm, optionally 34 dyne/cm. Optionally, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be more hydrophobic than the uncoated surface.
In an optional embodiment, the vessel can have an inner diameter of at least 2 mm, or at least 4 mm.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the vessel can be a tube.
As an optional feature of any of the foregoing embodiments the lumen can have at least two open ends.
Syringe
The vessel of
As one non-limiting way to make the syringe, a capped pre-assembly 12 can be provided comprising a barrel 14, a dispensing portion 20, and a shield 28. The capped pre-assembly 12 can be a complete article or it can be a portion of a complete article adapted to dispense fluid, such as a syringe, a cartridge, a catheter, or other article.
The barrel 14 can have an internal wall 16 defining a barrel lumen 18. Optionally in any embodiment, the barrel 14 can further include an opening 32 spaced from the dispensing portion 20 and communicating through the internal wall 16. Such an opening can be conventional, for example, in a syringe or cartridge, where a typical example can be the back opening 32 of a prefilled syringe barrel, through which the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal 36 can be inserted after the barrel lumen 18 is filled with a suitable pharmaceutical preparation or other fluid material 40 to be dispensed.
The barrel 14 can be formed, for example, by molding, although the manner of its formation is not critical and it can also be formed, for example, by machining a solid preform. Preferably, the barrel can be molded by injection molding thermoplastic material, although it can also be formed by blow molding or a combined method.
As one preferred example, the barrel 14 can be formed by placing a dispensing portion 20 as described below in an injection mold and injection molding thermoplastic material about the dispensing portion, thus forming the barrel and securing the dispensing portion to the barrel. Alternatively, the dispensing portion and the barrel can be molded or otherwise formed as a single piece, or can be formed separately and joined in other ways. The barrel of any embodiment can be made of any suitable material. Several barrel materials particularly contemplated are COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), COP (cyclic olefin polymer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and polypropylene.
The dispensing portion 20 of the capped pre-assembly 12 can be provided to serve as an outlet for fluid dispensed from the barrel lumen 18 of a completed article made from the capped pre-assembly 12. One example of a suitable dispensing portion illustrated in the Figures can be a hypodermic needle 20.
Alternatively, in any embodiment the dispensing portion 20 can instead be a needle-free dispenser. One example of a suitable needle-free dispenser can be a blunt or flexible dispensing portion intended to be received in a complementary coupling to transfer fluid material 40. Such blunt or flexible dispensing portions are well known for use in syringes, intravenous infusion systems, and other systems and equipment to dispense material while avoiding the hazard of working with a sharp needle that may accidentally stick a health professional or other person. Another example of a needle-free dispenser can be a fluid jet or spray injection system that injects a free jet or spray of fluid directly through a patient's skin, without the need for an intermediate needle. Any type of dispensing portion 20, whether a hypodermic needle or any form of needle-free dispenser, is contemplated for use according to any embodiment of the present invention.
The dispensing portion 20 is or can be secured to the barrel 14 and includes a proximal opening 22, a distal opening 24, and a dispensing portion lumen 26. The proximal opening 22 communicates with the barrel lumen 18. The distal opening 24 can be located outside the barrel 14. The dispensing portion lumen 26 communicates between the proximal and distal openings 22, 24 of the dispensing portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal opening 24 can be at the sharpened tip of a hypodermic needle 20.
The shield 28 can be secured to the barrel 14 and at least substantially isolates the distal opening 24 of the dispensing portion 20 from pressure conditions outside the shield 28. Optionally in any embodiment, the shield 28 sufficiently isolates portions of the assembly 12 to provide a sufficient bio-barrier to facilitate safe use of the capped pre-assembly 12 for transdermal injections.
The shield 28 can isolate the distal opening 24 in various ways. Effective isolation can be provided at least partially due to contact between the shield 28 and the distal opening 24, as shown in present
The shield 28 of any embodiment optionally can have a latching mechanism, best shown in
If the dispensing portion 20 is a hypodermic needle, the shield 28 can be a specially formed needle shield. The original use of a needle shield is to cover the hypodermic needle before use, preventing accidental needle sticks and preventing contamination of the needle before it is injected in a patient or an injection port. A comparable shield preferably is used, even if the dispensing portion 20 is a needle-free dispenser, to prevent contamination of the dispenser during handling.
The shield 28 can be formed in any suitable way. For example, the shield 28 can be formed by molding thermoplastic material. Optionally in any embodiment, the thermoplastic material can be elastomeric material or other material that can be suitable for forming a seal. One suitable category of elastomeric materials is known generically as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). An example of a suitable thermoplastic elastomer for making a shield 28 is Stelmi® Formulation 4800 (flexible shield formulation). Any other material having suitable characteristics can instead be used in any embodiment.
As another optional feature in any embodiment the shield 28 can be sufficiently permeable to a sterilizing gas to sterilize the portions of the assembly 12 isolated by the shield. One example of a suitable sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide. Shields 28 are available that are sufficiently permeable to the sterilizing gas that parts isolated by the shield can nonetheless be sterilized. An example of a shield formulation sufficiently permeable to accommodate ethylene oxide gas sterilization can be Stelmi® Formulation 4800.
Three embodiments of the invention having many common features are those of
The pharmaceutical packages of
The internal wall 16 can have an interior surface 254 facing the lumen 18 and an outer surface 216.
The fluid composition 40 can be contained in the lumen 18 and can have a pH between 4 and 10, alternatively between 5 and 9.
Barrier Coating or Layer
In the filled pharmaceutical package or other vessel 210 the barrier coating or layer 30 can be located between the inner or interior surface of the thermoplastic internal wall 16 and the fluid material 40. The barrier coating or layer 286 of SiOx can be supported by the thermoplastic internal wall 16. The barrier coating or layer 286 can have the characteristic of being subject to being measurably diminished in barrier improvement factor in less than six months as a result of attack by the fluid material 40. The barrier coating or layer 286 as described elsewhere in this specification, or in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188, can be used in any embodiment.
The barrier coating or layer 30 can be effective to reduce the ingress of atmospheric gas into the lumen 18, compared to an uncoated container otherwise the same as the pharmaceutical package or other vessel 210. The barrier coating or layer for any embodiment defined in this specification (unless otherwise specified in a particular instance) is optionally applied by PECVD as indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188.
The barrier improvement factor (BIF) of the barrier coating or layer can be determined by providing two groups of identical containers, adding a barrier coating or layer to one group of containers, testing a barrier property (such as the rate of outgassing in micrograms per minute or another suitable measure) on containers having a barrier coating or layer, doing the same test on containers lacking a barrier coating or layer, and taking a ratio of the properties of the materials with versus without a barrier coating or layer. For example, if the rate of outgassing through the barrier coating or layer is one-third the rate of outgassing without a barrier coating or layer, the barrier coating or layer has a BIF of 3.
The barrier coating or layer optionally can be characterized as an “SiOx” coating, and contains silicon, oxygen, and optionally other elements, in which x, the ratio of oxygen to silicon atoms, can be from about 1.5 to about 2.9, or 1.5 to about 2.6, or about 2. These alternative definitions of x apply to any use of the term SiOx in this specification. The barrier coating or layer can be applied, for example to the interior of a pharmaceutical package or other vessel, for example a sample collection tube, a syringe barrel, a vial, or another type of vessel.
The barrier coating or layer 30 comprises or consists essentially of SiOx, from 2 to 1000 nm thick, the barrier coating or layer 30 of SiOx having an interior surface facing the lumen 18 and an outer surface facing the internal wall 16. The barrier coating or layer 30 can be effective to reduce the ingress of atmospheric gas into the lumen 18 compared to an uncoated pharmaceutical package 210. One suitable barrier composition can be one where x is 2.3, for example.
For example, the barrier coating or layer such as 30 of any embodiment can be applied at a thickness of at least 2 nm, or at least 4 nm, or at least 7 nm, or at least 10 nm, or at least 20 nm, or at least 30 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm, or at least 100 nm, or at least 150 nm, or at least 200 nm, or at least 300 nm, or at least 400 nm, or at least 500 nm, or at least 600 nm, or at least 700 nm, or at least 800 nm, or at least 900 nm. The barrier coating or layer can be up to 1000 nm, or at most 900 nm, or at most 800 nm, or at most 700 nm, or at most 600 nm, or at most 500 nm, or at most 400 nm, or at most 300 nm, or at most 200 nm, or at most 100 nm, or at most 90 nm, or at most 80 nm, or at most 70 nm, or at most 60 nm, or at most 50 nm, or at most 40 nm, or at most 30 nm, or at most 20 nm, or at most 10 nm, or at most 5 nm thick. Specific thickness ranges composed of any one of the minimum thicknesses expressed above, plus any equal or greater one of the maximum thicknesses expressed above, are expressly contemplated. The thickness of the SiOx or other barrier coating or layer can be measured, for example, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and its composition can be measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The passivation layer or pH protective coating described herein can be applied to a variety of pharmaceutical packages or other vessels made from plastic or glass, for example to plastic tubes, vials, and syringes.
Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
A passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 of SiOxCy can be applied, for example, by PECVD directly or indirectly to the barrier coating or layer 30 so it can be located between the barrier coating or layer 30 and the fluid material 40 in the finished article. The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 can have an interior surface facing the lumen 18 and an outer surface facing the interior surface of the barrier coating or layer 30. The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 can be supported by the thermoplastic internal wall 16. The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 can be effective to keep the barrier coating or layer 30 at least substantially undissolved as a result of attack by the fluid material 40 for a period of at least six months, in one non-limiting embodiment.
Optionally, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be composed of SiwOxCyHz (or its equivalent SiOxCy) or SiwNxCyHz or its equivalent SiNxCy), each as defined in this specification. Taking into account the H atoms, the passivation layer or pH protective coating may thus in one aspect have the formula SiwOxCyHz, or its equivalent SiOxCy, for example where w is 1, x is from about 0.5 to about 2.4, y is from about 0.6 to about 3, and z (if defined) is from about 2 to about 9.
The atomic ratio can be determined by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). XPS does not detect hydrogen atoms, so it is customary, when determining the atomic ratio by XPS, to omit hydrogen from the stated formulation. The formulation thus can be typically expressed as SiwOxCy, where w is 1, x is from about 0.5 to about 2.4, and y is from about 0.6 to about 3, with no limitation on z.
The atomic ratios of Si, O, and C in the “lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating” can be, as several options:
Si 100:O 50-150:C 90-200 (i.e. w=1, x=0.5 to 1.5, y=0.9 to 2);
Si 100:O 70-130:C 90-200 (i.e. w=1, x=0.7 to 1.3, y=0.9 to 2)
Si 100:O 80-120:C 90-150 (i.e. w=1, x=0.8 to 1.2, y=0.9 to 1.5)
Si 100:O 90-120:C 90-140 (i.e. w=1, x=0.9 to 1.2, y=0.9 to 1.4), or
Si 100:O 92-107:C 116-133 (i.e. w=1, x=0.92 to 1.07, y=1.16 to 1.33)
Typically, such a coating or layer would contain 36% to 41% carbon normalized to 100% carbon plus oxygen plus silicon. Alternatively, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can have atomic concentrations normalized to 100% carbon, oxygen, and silicon, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of less than 50% carbon and more than 25% silicon. Alternatively, the atomic concentrations can be from 25 to 45% carbon, 25 to 65% silicon, and 10 to 35% oxygen. Alternatively, the atomic concentrations can be from 30 to 40% carbon, 32 to 52% silicon, and 20 to 27% oxygen. Alternatively, the atomic concentrations can be from 33 to 37% carbon, 37 to 47% silicon, and 22 to 26% oxygen.
Optionally, the atomic concentration of carbon in the protective layer, normalized to 100% of carbon, oxygen, and silicon, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), can be greater than the atomic concentration of carbon in the atomic formula for the organosilicon precursor. For example, embodiments are contemplated in which the atomic concentration of carbon increases by from 1 to 80 atomic percent, alternatively from 10 to 70 atomic percent, alternatively from 20 to 60 atomic percent, alternatively from 30 to 50 atomic percent, alternatively from 35 to 45 atomic percent, alternatively from 37 to 41 atomic percent.
Optionally, the atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be increased in comparison to the organosilicon precursor, and/or the atomic ratio of oxygen to silicon can be decreased in comparison to the organosilicon precursor.
Optionally, the passivation layer or pH protective coating can have an atomic concentration of silicon, normalized to 100% of carbon, oxygen, and silicon, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), less than the atomic concentration of silicon in the atomic formula for the feed gas. For example, embodiments are contemplated in which the atomic concentration of silicon decreases by from 1 to 80 atomic percent, alternatively by from 10 to 70 atomic percent, alternatively by from 20 to 60 atomic percent, alternatively by from 30 to 55 atomic percent, alternatively by from 40 to 50 atomic percent, alternatively by from 42 to 46 atomic percent.
As another option, a passivation layer or pH protective coating is contemplated that can be characterized by a sum formula wherein the atomic ratio C:O can be increased and/or the atomic ratio Si:O can be decreased in comparison to the sum formula of the organosilicon precursor.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating can have a density between 1.25 and 1.65 g/cm3, alternatively between 1.35 and 1.55 g/cm3, alternatively between 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3, alternatively between 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3, alternatively between 1.44 and 1.48 g/cm3, as determined by X-ray reflectivity (XRR). Optionally, the organosilicon compound can be octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and the passivation layer or pH protective coating can have a density which can be higher than the density of a passivation layer or pH protective coating made from HMDSO as the organosilicon compound under the same PECVD reaction conditions.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating optionally can have an RMS surface roughness value (measured by AFM) of from about 2 to about 9, optionally from about 6 to about 8, optionally from about 6.4 to about 7.8. The Ra surface roughness value of the passivation layer or pH protective coating, measured by AFM, can be from about 4 to about 6, optionally from about 4.6 to about 5.8. The Rmax surface roughness value of the passivation layer or pH protective coating, measured by AFM, can be from about 70 to about 160, optionally from about 84 to about 142, optionally from about 90 to about 130.
The rate of erosion, dissolution, or leaching (different names for related concepts) of the construction including a passivation layer or pH protective coating 34, if directly contacted by the fluid material 40, can be less than the rate of erosion, dissolution, or leaching of the barrier coating or layer 30, if directly contacted by the fluid material 40.
The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 can be effective to isolate or protect the barrier coating or layer 30 from the fluid material 40 at least for sufficient time to allow the barrier coating or layer to act as a barrier during the shelf life of the pharmaceutical package or other vessel 210.
Optionally an FTIR absorbance spectrum of the passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 of any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Any minimum time stated here can be combined with any maximum time stated here, as an alternative embodiment of the invention of
O-Parameter or P-Parameters of Passivation Coating or Protective Layer
The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 optionallly can have an O-Parameter measured with attenuated total reflection (ATR) of less than 0.4, measured as:
The O-Parameter is defined in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070, which claims an O-parameter value of most broadly from 0.4 to 0.9. It can be measured from physical analysis of an FTIR amplitude versus wave number plot to find the numerator and denominator of the above expression, as shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070 asserts that its claimed O-parameter range provides a superior passivation layer or pH protective coating, relying on experiments only with HMDSO and HMDSN, which are both non-cyclic siloxanes. Surprisingly, it has been found by the present inventors that if the PECVD precursor is a cyclic siloxane, for example OMCTS, O-parameters outside the ranges claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070, using OMCTS, can provide better results than are obtained in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070 with HMDSO.
Alternatively in the embodiment of
Even another aspect of the invention can be a composite material as just described, exemplified in
The N-Parameter is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070, and can be measured analogously to the O-Parameter except that intensities at two specific wave numbers are used—neither of these wave numbers is a range. U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070 claims a passivation layer or pH protective coating with an N-Parameter of 0.7 to 1.6. Again, the present inventors have made better coatings employing a passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 having an N-Parameter lower than 0.7, as described above. Alternatively, the N-parameter can have a value of 0.3 to lower than 0.7, or from 0.4 to 0.6, or from at least 0.53 to lower than 0.7.
Theory of Operation
The inventors offer the following theory of operation of the passivation layer or pH protective coating described here. The invention is not limited by the accuracy of this theory or to the embodiments predictable by use of this theory.
The dissolution rate of the SiOx barrier coating or layer, or of glass, is believed to be dependent on SiO bonding within the layer or glass. Oxygen bonding sites (silanols) are believed to increase the dissolution rate.
It is believed that the OMCTS-based passivation layer or pH protective coating bonds with the silanol sites on the SiOx barrier coating or layer, or glass, to “heal” or passivate the SiOx surface or glass and thus dramatically reduce the dissolution rate. In this hypothesis, the thickness of the OMCTS layer is not the primary means of protection—the primary means can be passivation of the SiOx or glass surface. It is contemplated that a passivation layer or pH protective coating as described in this specification can be improved by increasing the crosslink density of the passivation layer or pH protective coating.
Optional Graded Composite Layers
The passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 and lubricity layers of any embodiment of
A graded composite can be separate layers of a lubricity and/or protective and/or barrier coating or layer or coating with a transition or interface of intermediate composition between them, or separate layers of a lubricity and/or protective and/or hydrophobic layer and SiOx with an intermediate distinct passivation layer or pH protective coating of intermediate composition between them, or a single coating or layer that changes continuously or in steps from a composition of a lubricity and/or protective and/or hydrophobic layer to a composition more like SiOx, going through the passivation layer or pH protective coating in a normal direction.
The grade in the graded composite can go in either direction. For example, the composition of SiOx can be applied directly to the substrate and graduate to a composition further from the surface of a passivation layer or pH protective coating, and optionally can further graduate to another type of coating or layer, such as a hydrophobic coating or layer or a lubricity coating or layer. Additionally, in any embodiment an adhesion coating or layer, for example SiwOxCy, or its equivalent SiOxCy, optionally can be applied directly to the substrate before applying the barrier coating or layer.
A graduated passivation layer or pH protective coating is particularly contemplated if a layer of one composition is better for adhering to the substrate than another, in which case the better-adhering composition can, for example, be applied directly to the substrate. It is contemplated that the more distant portions of the graded passivation layer or pH protective coating can be less compatible with the substrate than the adjacent portions of the graded passivation layer or pH protective coating, since at any point the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be changing gradually in properties, so adjacent portions at nearly the same depth of the passivation layer or pH protective coating have nearly identical composition, and more widely physically separated portions at substantially different depths can have more diverse properties. It is also contemplated that a passivation layer or pH protective coating portion that forms a better barrier against transfer of material to or from the substrate can be directly against the substrate, to prevent the more remote passivation layer or pH protective coating portion that forms a poorer barrier from being contaminated with the material intended to be barred or impeded by the barrier.
The applied coatings or layers, instead of being graded, optionally can have sharp transitions between one layer and the next, without a substantial gradient of composition. Such passivation layer or pH protective coating can be made, for example, by providing the gases to produce a layer as a steady state flow in a non-plasma state, then energizing the system with a brief plasma discharge to form a coating or layer on the substrate. If a subsequent passivation layer or pH protective coating is to be applied, the gases for the previous passivation layer or pH protective coating are cleared out and the gases for the next passivation layer or pH protective coating are applied in a steady-state fashion before energizing the plasma and again forming a distinct layer on the surface of the substrate or its outermost previous passivation layer or pH protective coating, with little if any gradual transition at the interface.
PECVD Apparatus
The low-pressure PECVD process described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188 can be used to provide the barrier coating or layer, lubricity coating or layer, and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating described in this specification. A brief synopsis of that process follows, with reference to present
A PECVD apparatus or coating station 60 suitable for the present purpose includes a vessel holder 50, an inner electrode defined by the probe 108, an outer electrode 160, and a power supply 162. The pre-assembly 12 seated on the vessel holder 50 defines a plasma reaction chamber, which optionally can be a vacuum chamber. Optionally, a source of vacuum 98, a reactant gas source 144, a gas feed (probe 108) or a combination of two or more of these can be supplied.
The PECVD apparatus can be used for atmospheric-pressure PECVD, in which case the plasma reaction chamber defined by the pre-assembly 12 does not need to function as a vacuum chamber.
Referring to
Flow out of the PECVD gas or precursor source 144 can be controlled by a main reactant gas valve 584 regulating flow through the main reactant feed line 586. One component of the gas source 144 can be the organosilicon liquid reservoir 588, containing the precursor. The contents of the reservoir 588 can be drawn through the organosilicon capillary line 590, which optionally can be provided at a suitable length to provide the desired flow rate. Flow of organosilicon vapor can be controlled by the organosilicon shut-off valve 592. Pressure can be applied to the headspace 614 of the liquid reservoir 588, for example a pressure in the range of 0-15 psi (0 to 78 cm. Hg), from a pressure source 616 such as pressurized air connected to the headspace 614 by a pressure line 618 to establish repeatable organosilicon liquid delivery that is not dependent on atmospheric pressure (and the fluctuations therein). The reservoir 588 can be sealed and the capillary connection 620 can be at the bottom of the reservoir 588 to ensure that only neat organosilicon liquid (not the pressurized gas from the headspace 614) flows through the capillary tube 590. The organosilicon liquid optionally can be heated above ambient temperature, if necessary or desirable to cause the organosilicon liquid to evaporate, forming an organosilicon vapor. To accomplish this heating, the apparatus can advantageously include heated delivery lines from the exit of the precursor reservoir to as close as possible to the gas inlet into the syringe. Preheating can be useful, for example, when feeding OMCTS.
Oxidant gas can be provided from the oxidant gas tank 594 via an oxidant gas feed line 596 controlled by a mass flow controller 598 and provided with an oxidant shut-off valve 600.
Optionally in any embodiment, other precursor, oxidant, and/or carrier gas reservoirs such as 602 can be provided to supply additional materials if needed for a particular deposition process. Each such reservoir such as 602 can have an appropriate feed line 604 and shut-off valve 606.
Referring especially to
In the embodiment of
Application of Barrier Coating or Layer
When carrying out the present method, a barrier coating or layer 30 can be applied directly or indirectly to at least a portion of the internal wall 16 of the barrel 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier coating or layer 30 can be applied while the pre-assembly 12 is capped, though this is not a requirement. The barrier coating or layer 30 can be an SiOx barrier coating or layer applied by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), under conditions substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188. The barrier coating or layer 30 can be applied under conditions effective to maintain communication between the barrel lumen 18 and the dispensing portion lumen 26 via the proximal opening 22 at the end of the applying step.
In any embodiment the barrier coating or layer 30 optionally can be applied through the opening 32.
In any embodiment the barrier coating or layer 30 optionally can be applied by introducing a vapor-phase precursor material through the opening and employing chemical vapor deposition to deposit a reaction product of the precursor material on the internal wall of the barrel.
In any embodiment the precursor material for forming the barrier coating optionally can be any of the precursors described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188 or in this specification for formation of the passivating layer or pH protective coating.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can comprise an oxidant gas.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can comprise oxygen.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can comprise a carrier gas.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can include helium, argon, krypton, xenon, neon, or a combination of two or more of these.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can include argon.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can be a precursor material mixture with one or more oxidant gases and a carrier gas in a partial vacuum through the opening and employing chemical vapor deposition to deposit a reaction product of the precursor material mixture on the internal wall of the barrel.
In any embodiment the reactant vapor material optionally can be passed through the opening at sub-atmospheric pressure.
In any embodiment plasma optionally can be generated in the barrel lumen 18 by placing an inner electrode into the barrel lumen 18 through the opening 32, placing an outer electrode outside the barrel 14 and using the electrodes to apply plasma-inducing electromagnetic energy which optionally can be radio frequency energy, in the barrel lumen 18. If a different arrangement is used, the plasma-inducing electromagnetic energy can be microwave energy or other forms of electromagnetic energy.
In any embodiment the electromagnetic energy optionally can be direct current.
In any embodiment the electromagnetic energy optionally can be alternating current. The alternating current optionally can be modulated at frequencies including audio, or microwave, or radio, or a combination of two or more of audio, microwave, or radio.
In any embodiment the electromagnetic energy optionally can be applied across the barrel lumen (18).
Application of Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
In any embodiment, in addition to applying a first coating or layer as described above, the method optionally can include applying second or further coating or layer of the same material or a different material. As one example useful in any embodiment, particularly contemplated if the first coating or layer is an SiOx barrier coating or layer, a further coating or layer can be placed directly or indirectly over the barrier coating or layer. One example of such a further coating or layer useful in any embodiment is a passivation layer or pH protective coating 34.
Precursors
The organosilicon precursor for any of the processes for forming the barrier coating or layer, the passivation layer or pH protective coating, or a lubricity coating or layer can include any of the following precursors.
The precursor for the passivation layer or pH protective coating of the present invention is broadly defined as an organometallic precursor. An organometallic precursor is defined in this specification as comprehending compounds of metal elements from Group III and/or Group IV of the Periodic Table having organic residues, for example hydrocarbon, aminocarbon or oxycarbon residues. Organometallic compounds as presently defined include any precursor having organic moieties bonded to silicon or other Group III/IV metal atoms directly, or optionally bonded through oxygen or nitrogen atoms. The relevant elements of Group III of the Periodic Table are Boron, Aluminum, Gallium, Indium, Thallium, Scandium, Yttrium, and Lanthanum, Aluminum and Boron being preferred. The relevant elements of Group IV of the Periodic Table are Silicon, Germanium, Tin, Lead, Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, and Thorium, with Silicon and Tin being preferred. Other volatile organic compounds can also be contemplated. However, organosilicon compounds are preferred for performing present invention.
An organosilicon precursor is contemplated, where an “organosilicon precursor” is defined throughout this specification most broadly as a compound having at least one of the linkages:
The first structure immediately above is a tetravalent silicon atom connected to an oxygen atom and an organic carbon atom (an organic carbon atom being a carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom). The second structure immediately above is a tetravalent silicon atom connected to an —NH— linkage and an organic carbon atom (an organic carbon atom being a carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom).
Optionally, the organosilicon precursor can be selected from the group consisting of a linear siloxane, a monocyclic siloxane, a polycyclic siloxane, a polysilsesquioxane, a linear silazane, a monocyclic silazane, a polycyclic silazane, a polysilsesquiazane, and a combination of any two or more of these precursors. Also contemplated as a precursor, though not within the two formulas immediately above, can be an alkyl trimethoxysilane.
If an oxygen-containing precursor (for example a Siloxane) is used, a representative predicted empirical composition resulting from PECVD under conditions forming a hydrophobic or lubricating passivation layer or pH protective coating would be SiwOxCyHz or its equivalent SiOxCy as defined in the Definition Section, while a representative predicted empirical composition resulting from PECVD under conditions forming a barrier coating or layer would be SiOx, where x in this formula is from about 1.5 to about 2.9. If a nitrogen-containing precursor (for example a silazane) is used, the predicted composition would be Siw*Nx*Cy*Hz*, i.e. in SiwOxCyHz or its equivalent SiOxCy as specified in the Definition Section, O is replaced by N and the indices for H are adapted to the higher valency of N as compared to O (3 instead of 2). The latter adaptation will generally follow the ratio of w, x, y and z in a Siloxane to the corresponding indices in its aza counterpart. In a particular aspect of the invention, Siw*Nx*Cy*Hz* (or its equivalent SiNx*Cy*) in which w*, x*, y*, and z* are defined the same as w, x, y, and z for the siloxane counterparts, but for an optional deviation in the number of hydrogen atoms.
One type of precursor starting material having the above empirical formula can be a linear siloxane, for example a material having the following formula:
in which each R can be independently selected from alkyl, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, vinyl, alkyne, or others, and n can be 1, 2, 3, 4, or greater, optionally two or greater. Several examples of contemplated linear siloxanes are
Another type of precursor starting material, among the preferred starting materials in the present context, can be a monocyclic siloxane, for example a material having the following structural formula:
in which R can be defined as for the linear structure and “a” can be from 3 to about 10, or the analogous monocyclic silazanes. Several examples of contemplated hetero-substituted and unsubstituted monocyclic siloxanes and silazanes include:
Another type of precursor starting material, among the preferred starting materials in the present context, can be a polycyclic siloxane, for example a material having one of the following structural formulas:
in which Y can be oxygen or nitrogen, E is silicon, and Z is a hydrogen atom or an organic substituent, for example alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, vinyl, alkyne, or others. When each Y is oxygen, the respective structures, from left to right, are a Silatrane, a Silquasilatrane, and a Silproatrane. When Y is nitrogen, the respective structures are an azasilatrane, an azasilquasiatrane, and an azasilproatrane.
Another type of polycyclic siloxane precursor starting material, among the preferred starting materials in the present context, can be a polysilsesquioxane, with the empirical formula RSiO1.5 and the structural formula:
in which each R is a hydrogen atom or an organic substituent, for example alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, vinyl, alkyne, or others. Two commercial materials of this sort are SST-eM01 poly(methylsilsesquioxane), in which each R can be methyl, and SST-3MH1.1 poly(Methyl-Hydridosilsesquioxane), in which 90% of the R groups are methyl, 10% are hydrogen atoms. This material is available in a 10% solution in tetrahydrofuran, for example. Combinations of two or more of these are also contemplated. Other examples of a contemplated precursor are methylsilatrane, CAS No. 2288-13-3, in which each Y is oxygen and Z is methyl, methylazasilatrane, poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (for example SST-eM01 poly(methylsilsesquioxane)), in which each R optionally can be methyl, SST-3MH1.1 poly(Methyl-Hydridosilsesquioxane) (for example SST-3MH1.1 poly(Methyl-Hydridosilsesquioxane)), in which 90% of the R groups are methyl and 10% are hydrogen atoms, or a combination of any two or more of these.
The analogous polysilsesquiazanes in which —NH— can be substituted for the oxygen atom in the above structure are also useful for making analogous passivation layer or pH protective coating. Examples of contemplated polysilsesquiazanes are a poly(methylsilsesquiazane), in which each R can be methyl, and a poly(Methyl-Hydridosilessquiazine, in which 90% of the R groups are methyl, 10% are hydrogen atoms. Combinations of two or more of these are also contemplated.
One particularly contemplated precursor for the barrier coating or layer according to the present invention can be a linear siloxane, for example hexamethyldisiloxane or HMDSO. One particularly contemplated precursor for the lubricity coating or layer and the passivation layer or pH protective coating according to the present invention can be a cyclic siloxane, for example octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS).
It is believed that the OMCTS or other cyclic siloxane molecule provides several advantages over other siloxane materials. First, its ring structure is believed to result in a less dense passivation layer or pH protective coating (as compared to passivation layer or pH protective coating prepared from HMDSO). The molecule also is believed to allow selective ionization so that the final structure and chemical composition of the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be directly controlled through the application of the plasma power. Other organosilicon molecules are readily ionized (fractured) so that it can be more difficult to retain the original structure of the molecule.
In any of the PECVD methods according to the present invention, the applying step optionally can be carried out by vaporizing the precursor and providing it in the vicinity of the substrate. For example, OMCTS can be vaporized by heating it to about 50° C. before applying it to the PECVD apparatus.
Cyclic organosilicon precursors, in particular monocyclic organosilicon precursors (like the monocyclic precursors listed elsewhere in present description), and specifically OMCTS, are particularly suitable to achieve a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
The organosilicon precursor can be delivered at a rate of equal to or less than 10 sccm, optionally equal to or less than 6 sccm, optionally equal to or less than 2.5 sccm, optionally equal to or less than 1.5 sccm, optionally equal to or less than 1.25 sccm. Larger pharmaceutical packages or other vessels or other changes in conditions or scale may require more or less of the precursor.
Other Components of PECVD Reaction Mixture and Ratios of Components For Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
Generally, for a passivation layer or pH protective coating, O2 can be present in an amount (which can, for example be expressed by the flow rate in sccm) which can be less than one order of magnitude greater than the organosilicon amount. In contrast, in order to achieve a barrier coating or layer, the amount of O2 typically can be at least one order of magnitude higher than the amount of organosilicon precursor.
As some specific examples of suitable proportions of the respective constituents, the volume ratio (in sccm) of organosilicon precursor to O2 for a passivation layer or pH protective coating can be in the range from 0.1:1 to 10:1, optionally in the range from 0.3:1 to 8:1, optionally in the range from 0.5:1 to 5:1, optionally from 1:1 to 3:1. Some non-exhaustive alternative selections and suitable proportions of the precursor gas, oxygen, and a carrier gas are provided below.
from 0.5 to 10 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 10 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 1 to 80 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes, of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 1 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 3 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.2 to 1 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes
of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes, of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.1 to 2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.5 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.5 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes, of a carrier gas,
from 0.5 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.5 to 1.5 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.8 to 1.2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 2 to 4 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 5 to 100 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.8 to 1.2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
from 1 to 6 standard volumes of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.8 to 1.2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
alternatively this ratio:
2 to 4 standard volumes, of the precursor;
from 10 to 70 standard volumes of a carrier gas,
from 0.8 to 1.2 standard volumes of an oxidizing agent.
Exemplary reaction conditions for preparing a passivation layer or pH protective coating according to the present invention in a 3 ml sample size syringe with a ⅛″ diameter tube (open at the end) are as follows:
Flow rate ranges:
OMCTS: 0.5-10 sccm
Oxygen: 0.1-10 sccm
Argon: 1.0-200 sccm
Power: 0.1-500 watts
In another contemplated embodiment the proportions of precursor, oxygen, and Argon can be, for example:
In yet another contemplated embodiment the proportions of precursor, oxygen, and Argon and the power level can be, for example:
The coatings can vary from the above proportions, however. For example, to provide a coating with lubricity which also serves as a passivation layer or pH protection coating, the following proportions of gases can be used:
The presence of the precursor and O2 in the volume ratios as given in Tables 9-11 can be specifically suitable to achieve a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
In one aspect of the invention, a carrier gas can be absent in the reaction mixture; in another aspect of the invention, it can be present. Suitable carrier gases include any noble gas, for example Argon, Helium, Neon, Xenon or combinations of two or more of these. When the carrier gas is present in the reaction mixture, it is typically present in a volume (in sccm) exceeding the volume of the organosilicon precursor. For example, the ratio of the organosilicon precursor to carrier gas can be from 1:1 to 1:50, optionally from 1:5 to 1:40, optionally from 1:10 to 1:30. One function of the carrier gas can be to dilute the reactants in the plasma, encouraging the formation of a coating on the substrate instead of powdered reaction products that do not adhere to the substrate and are largely removed with the exhaust gases.
The addition of Argon gas has veen found to improve the performance of the passivation layer or pH protective coating 34. It is believed that additional ionization of the molecule in the presence of Argon contributes to this performance. The Si—O—Si bonds of the molecule have a high bond energy followed by the Si—C, with the C—H bonds being the weakest. Passivation or pH protection appear to be achieved when a portion of the C—H bonds are broken. This allows the connecting (cross-linking) of the structure as it grows. Addition of oxygen (with the Argon) is understood to enhance this process. A small amount of oxygen can also provide C—O bonding to which other molecules can bond. The combination of breaking C—H bonds and adding oxygen all at low pressure and power leads to a chemical structure that can be solid while providing passivation or pH protection.
In any of the disclosed embodiments, one preferred combination of process gases includes octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) or another cyclic siloxane as the precursor; O2, nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), or another oxidizing gas, which means any other gas that oxidizes the precursor during PECVD at the conditions employed, preferably O2; and a carrier gas, for example a noble carrier gas, for example Argon (Ar). The gaseous reactant or process gas can be at least substantially free of nitrogen. This combination is contemplated to improve the resulting passivation layer or pH protective coating.
Application Method
A passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 optionally can be applied directly or indirectly over the barrier coating or layer 30, and optionally can be applied to a pre-assembly such as 12 while the pre-assembly is capped, under conditions effective to maintain communication between the barrel lumen 18 and the dispensing portion lumen 26 via the proximal opening 22 at the end of applying the passivation layer or pH protective coating 34.
Vessel Made Of Glass
Optionally in any embodiment, the passivation layer or pH protective coating 34 can be applied as the first or sole vapor-deposited coating or layer 30, instead of or in addition to its application as a further layer. This expedient may be useful, for example, where the barrel is made of glass, as described below. The presently disclosed passivation layer or pH protective coating also can reduce the dissolution of glass by contents having the pH values indicated as attacking SiOx coatings or layers.
A pharmaceutical package 210 is contemplated as shown in any embodiment, for example
In this glass embodiment the barrier coating or layer or layer can be optional because a glass vessel wall in itself is an extremely good barrier coating or layer. It is contemplated to optionally provide a barrier coating or layer primarily to provide isolation: in other words, to prevent contact and interchange of material of any kind, such as ions of the glass or constituents of the pharmaceutical composition or preparation between the vessel wall and the contents of the vessel. The protective layer as defined in this specification can be contemplated to perform the isolation function independently, at least to a degree. This passivation coating or pH protection layer can be contemplated to provide a useful function on glass in contact with the pharmaceutical composition or preparation, as the present working examples show that borosilicate glass, commonly used today for pharmaceutical packaging, can be dissolved by a fluid composition having a pH exceeding 5. Particularly in applications where such dissolution can be disadvantageous or perceived to be disadvantageous, the present passivation layers or protective coatings or layers will find utility.
The vessel can be made, for example of glass of any type used in medical or laboratory applications, such as soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, or other glass formulations. One function of a passivation layer or pH protective coating on a glass vessel can be to reduce the ingress of ions in the glass, either intentionally or as impurities, for example sodium, calcium, or others, from the glass to the contents of the pharmaceutical package or other vessel, such as a reagent or blood in an evacuated blood collection tube. Alternatively, a dual functional protective/lubricity coating or layer can be used on a glass vessel in whole or in part, such as selectively at surfaces contacted in sliding relation to other parts, to provide lubricity, for example to ease the insertion or removal of a stopper or passage of a sliding element such as a piston in a syringe, as well as to provide the isolation of a passivation layer or pH protective coating. Still another reason to coat a glass vessel, for example with a dual functional hydrophobic and passivation layer or pH protective coating, can be to prevent a reagent or intended sample for the pharmaceutical package or other vessel, such as blood, from sticking to the wall of the vessel or an increase in the rate of coagulation of the blood in contact with the wall of the vessel, as well as to provide the isolation of a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
A related embodiment can be a vessel as described in the previous paragraphs, in which the barrier coating or layer or layer can be made of soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, or another type of glass coating or layer on a substrate.
Plasma Conditions for Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
The precursor can be contacted with a plasma made by energizing the vicinity of the precursor with electrodes powered at radio frequency, optionally a frequency of 10 kHz to 2.45 GHz, optionally from 10 kHz to less than 300 MHz, optionally from 1 to 50 MHz, optionally from 10 to 15 MHz, alternatively from about 13 to about 14 MHz, optionally at or about 13.56 MHz. Typically, the plasma in the PECVD process can be generated at RF frequency, although microwave or other electromagnetic energy can also be used. For providing a protective layer on the interior of a vessel by a plasma reaction carried out within the vessel, the plasma of any embodiment can be generated with an electric power of from 0.1 to 500 W, optionally from 0.1 to 400 W, optionally from 0.1 to 300 W, optionally from 1 to 250 W, optionally from 1 to 200 W, even optionally from 10 to 150 W, optionally from 20 to 150 W, for example of 40 W, optionally from 40 to 150 W, even optionally from 60 to 150 W.
For any PECVD process in any embodiment herein, PECVD can be initiated by applying an initial higher power level within the stated range, followed by a subsequent lower power level within the stated range. The initial higher power level can be applied, for example, for from 1 to 3 seconds. The subsequent lower power level can applied, for example, for the remainder of PECVD.
For forming a coating intended to provide lubricity in addition to passivation or pH protection, the precursor can be contacted with a plasma made by energizing the vicinity of the precursor with electrodes supplied with electric power at from 0.1 to 25 W, optionally from 1 to 22 W, optionally from 1 to 10 W, even optionally from 1 to 5 W, optionally from 2 to 4 W, for example of 3 W, optionally from 3 to 17 W, even optionally from 5 to 14 W, for example 6 or 7.5 W, optionally from 7 to 11 W, for example of 8 W.
The ratio of the electrode power to the plasma volume can be less than 100 W/ml, optionally can be from 0.1 to 100 W/mL, optionally can be from 5 W/ml to 75 W/ml, optionally can be from 6 W/ml to 60 W/ml, optionally can be from 10 W/ml to 50 W/ml, optionally from 20 W/ml to 40 W/ml. These power levels are suitable for applying passivation layers or protective coatings or layers to syringes and sample tubes and pharmaceutical packages or other vessels of similar geometry having a void volume of 5 mL in which PECVD plasma can be generated. It is contemplated that for larger or smaller objects the power applied, in Watts, should be increased or reduced accordingly to scale the process to the size of the substrate.
For forming a coating intended to provide lubricity in addition to passivation or pH protection, the precursor can be contacted with a plasma made by energizing the vicinity of the precursor with electrodes supplied with electric power density at less than 10 W/ml of plasma volume, alternatively from 6 W/ml to 0.1 W/ml of plasma volume, alternatively from 5 W/ml to 0.1 W/ml of plasma volume, alternatively from 4 W/ml to 0.1 W/ml of plasma volume, alternatively from 2 W/ml to 0.2 W/ml of plasma volume, alternatively from 10 W/ml to 50 W/ml, optionally from 20 W/ml to 40 W/ml.
Optionally, in any embodiment of
Optionally, in any embodiment of
For a PECVD process the deposition time can be from 1 to 30 sec, alternatively from 2 to 10 sec, alternatively from 3 to 9 sec. The purposes for optionally limiting deposition time can be to avoid overheating the substrate, to increase the rate of production, and to reduce the use of process gas and its constituents. The purposes for optionally extending deposition time can be to provide a thicker passivation layer or pH protective coating for particular deposition conditions.
Other methods can be used to apply the passivation layer or pH protective coating. For example, hexamethylene disilazane (HMDZ) can be used as the precursor. HMDZ has the advantage of containing no oxygen in its molecular structure. This passivation layer or pH protective coating treatment is contemplated to be a surface treatment of the SiOx barrier coating or layer with HMDZ. It is contemplated that HMDZ will react with the —OH sites that are present in the silicon dioxide coating, resulting in the evolution of NH3 and bonding of S—(CH3)3 to the silicon (it is contemplated that hydrogen atoms will be evolved and bond with nitrogen from the HMDZ to produce NH3).
It is contemplated that this HMDZ passivation layer or pH protective coating can be accomplished through several possible paths.
One contemplated path can be dehydration/vaporization of the HMDZ at ambient temperature. First, an SiOx surface can be deposited, for example using hexamethylene disiloxane (HMDSO). The as-coated silicon dioxide surface then can be reacted with HMDZ vapor. In an embodiment, as soon as the SiOx surface is deposited onto the article of interest, the vacuum can be maintained. The HMDSO and oxygen are pumped away and a base vacuum is achieved. Once base vacuum is achieved, HMDZ vapor can be flowed over the surface of the silicon dioxide (as coated on the part of interest) at pressures from the mTorr range to many Torr. The HMDZ then can be pumped away (with the resulting NH3 that is a byproduct of the reaction). The amount of NH3 in the gas stream can be monitored (with a residual gas analyzer—RGA—as an example) and when there is no more NH3 detected, the reaction is complete. The part then can be vented to atmosphere (with a clean dry gas or nitrogen). The resulting surface then can be found to have been passivated or protected. It is contemplated that this method optionally can be accomplished without forming a plasma.
Alternatively, after formation of the SiOx barrier coating or layer, the vacuum can be broken before dehydration/vaporization of the HMDZ. Dehydration/vaporization of the HMDZ can then be carried out in either the same apparatus used for formation of the SiOx barrier coating or layer or different apparatus.
Dehydration/vaporization of HMDZ at an elevated temperature is also contemplated. The above process can alternatively be carried out at an elevated temperature exceeding room temperature up to about 150° C. The maximum temperature can be determined by the material from which the coated part is constructed. An upper temperature should be selected that will not distort or otherwise damage the part being coated.
Dehydration/vaporization of HMDZ with a plasma assist is also contemplated. After carrying out any of the above embodiments of dehydration/vaporization, once the HMDZ vapor is admitted into the part, plasma can be generated. The plasma power can range from a few watts to 100+ watts (similar powers as used to deposit the SiOx). The above is not limited to HMDZ and could be applicable to any molecule that will react with hydrogen, for example any of the nitrogen-containing precursors described in this specification.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the above stated coatings or layers can be applied to the capped pre-assembly 12 with substantially no deposition of the vapor-deposited coating 30 in the dispensing portion lumen 26. This is shown by a working example below.
In certain embodiments, the generation of uniform plasma throughout the portion of the vessel to be coated is contemplated, as it has been found in certain instances to generate a better passivation layer or pH protective coating. Uniform plasma means regular plasma that does not include a substantial amount of hollow cathode plasma (which has higher emission intensity than regular plasma and can be manifested as a localized area of higher intensity interrupting the more uniform intensity of the regular plasma).
It is further contemplated that any embodiment of the passivation layer or pH protective coating processes described in this specification can also be carried out without using the article to be coated to contain the plasma. For example, external surfaces of medical devices, for example catheters, surgical instruments, closures, and others can be passivated or protected by sputtering the coating, employing a radio frequency target.
Non-Organosilicon Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
Another way of applying the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be to apply as the passivation layer or pH protective coating an amorphous carbon or fluorinated polymer coating, or a combination of the two.
Amorphous carbon coatings can be formed by PECVD using a saturated hydrocarbon, (e.g. methane, ethane, ethylene or propane), or an unsaturated hydrocarbon (e.g. ethylene, acetylene), or a combination of two or more of these as a precursor for plasma polymerization.
Fluorinated polymer coatings can be applied by chemically modifying a precursor, while on or in the vicinity of the fluid receiving interior surface.
Optionally, the precursor comprises:
The fluorinated polymer is:
The fluorinated polymer optionally can be applied by vapor deposition, for example chemical vapor deposition. Optionally, the fluorinated polymer can be applied by chemical vapor deposition of dimeric tetrafluoroparaxylylene. An example of a suitable fluorinated polymer can be polytetrafluoroparaxylylene. Optionally, the fluorinated polymer consists essentially of polytetrafluoroparaxylylene.
Optionally in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene. Optionally in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer consists essentially of polytetrafluoroethylene.
For example, in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer can be applied by chemically modifying a precursor, while on or in the vicinity of the fluid receiving interior surface, to produce the fluorinated polymer coating or layer on the fluid receiving interior surface. Optionally in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer can be applied by chemical vapor deposition. For one example, in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer can be applied by heated wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). For another example, in any embodiment, the fluorinated polymer coating or layer can be applied by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Mixed processes or other processes for applying a suitable coating are also contemplated, in any embodiment.
Another example of a suitable HWCVD process for applying the fluorinated polymer coating can be the process described in Hilton G. Pryce Lewis, Neeta P. Bansal, Aleksandr J. White, Erik S. Handy, HWCVD of Polymers: Commercialization and Scale-up, T
It is contemplated that that amorphous carbon and/or fluorinated polymer coatings will provide better passivation or protection of an SiOx barrier coating or layer than a siloxane coating since an amorphous carbon and/or fluorinated polymer coating will not contain silanol bonds.
It is further contemplated that fluorosilicon precursors can be used to provide a passivation layer or pH protective coating over an SiOx barrier coating or layer. This can be carried out by using as a precursor a fluorinated silane precursor such as hexafluorosilane and a PECVD process. The resulting coating would also be expected to be a non-wetting coating.
Liquid-Applied Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
Another example of a suitable barrier or other type of passivation layer or pH protective coating, usable in conjunction with the PECVD-applied passivation layer or pH protective coating or other PECVD treatment as disclosed here, can be a liquid barrier, lubricant, surface energy tailoring, or passivation layer or pH protective coating 90 applied to the inner or interior surface of a pharmaceutical package or other vessel, either directly or with one or more intervening PECVD-applied coatings or layers described in this specification, for example SiOx, a lubricity coating or layer and/or a passivation layer or pH protective coating, or both.
A suitable liquid barrier, lubricity, or passivation layer or pH protective coating 90 also optionally can be applied, for example, by applying a liquid monomer or other polymerizable or curable material to the inner or interior surface of the vessel 80 and curing, polymerizing, or crosslinking the liquid monomer to form a solid polymer, or by applying a solvent-dispersed polymer to the surface 88 and removing the solvent.
Any of the above methods can include as a step forming a passivation layer or pH protective coating 90 on the interior 88 of a vessel 80 via the vessel port 92 at a processing station or device 28. One example can be applying a liquid passivation layer or pH protective coating, for example of a curable monomer, prepolymer, or polymer dispersion, to the inner or interior surface 88 of a vessel 80 and curing it to form a film that physically isolates the contents of the vessel 80 from its inner or interior surface 88. The prior art describes polymer passivation layer or pH protective coating technology as suitable for treating plastic blood collection tubes. For example, the acrylic and polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) passivation layer or pH protective coating materials and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,566, which is hereby incorporated by reference, optionally can be used.
Any of the above methods can also include as a step forming a coating or layer on the exterior outer wall of a vessel 80. The exterior coating or layer optionally can be a barrier coating or layer or layer, optionally an oxygen barrier coating or layer or layer, or optionally a water barrier coating or layer or layer. The exterior coating or layer can also be an armor layer that protects the outer wall of a vessel 80. One example of a suitable exterior coating or layer can be polyvinylidene chloride, which functions both as a water barrier and an oxygen barrier. Optionally, the exterior coating or layer can be applied as a water-based coating or layer. The exterior coating or layer optionally can be applied by dipping the vessel in it, spraying it on the pharmaceutical package or other vessel, or other expedients.
Yet another coating modality contemplated for protecting or passivating an SiOx barrier coating or layer can be coating the barrier coating or layer using a polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resin. For example, the barrier coating or layer can be applied by dip coating in a fluid polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resin melt, solution or dispersion and cured by autoclaving or other heating at a temperature between 60 and 100° C.
It is contemplated that a coating of polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resin can be preferentially used in aqueous environments between pH 5-8, as such resins are known to provide high wet strength in paper in that pH range. Wet strength is the ability to maintain mechanical strength of paper subjected to complete water soaking for extended periods of time, so it is contemplated that a coating of polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resin on an SiOx barrier coating or layer will have similar resistance to dissolution in aqueous media. It is also contemplated that, because polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin resin imparts a lubricity improvement to paper, it will also provide lubricity in the form of a coating on a thermoplastic surface made of, for example, COC or COP.
Fluid Material
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
Optionally for any of the embodiments of
As several examples, the fluid material 40 can be an inhalation anesthetic, a drug, or a diagnostic test material. Any of these fluid materials 40 can be an injectable material, a volatile material capable of being inhaled, or otherwise capable of being introduced into a subject.
Other Uses of the Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
A vessel with a passivation layer or pH protective coating as described herein can also be evacuated and stored in an evacuated state. For example, the passivation layer or pH protective coating allows better maintenance of the vacuum in comparison to a corresponding vessel without a passivation layer or pH protective coating. In one aspect of this embodiment, the vessel with a passivation layer or pH protective coating can be a blood collection tube. The tube can also contain an agent for preventing blood clotting or platelet activation, for example EDTA or heparin.
Even another embodiment can be a medical or diagnostic kit including a vessel having a passivation layer or pH protective coating as defined in any embodiment herein on a substrate as defined in any embodiment herein. Optionally, the kit additionally includes a medicament or diagnostic agent as defined in any embodiment herein which is contained in the vessel with a passivation layer or pH protective coating in contact with the coating or layer; and/or a hypodermic needle, double-ended needle, or other delivery conduit; and/or an instruction sheet.
Use of the passivation layer or pH protective coating according to any described embodiment is contemplated for preventing or reducing precipitation and/or clotting or platelet activation of a compound or a component of the composition in contact with the coating or layer.
The use of a coated substrate according to any described embodiment is contemplated for storing insulin. As one option, precipitation of the insulin can be prevented or reduced by providing vessel to contain the insulin having a contact surface including a passivation layer or pH protective coating.
As another option, the compound or a component of the composition can be blood or a blood fraction, and blood clotting or platelet activation can be prevented or reduced by storing the blood in the blood collection tube in contact with a passivation layer or pH protective coating. Optionally, the blood collection tube can contain an agent for preventing blood clotting or platelet activation, for example ethylenediamineteetraacetic acid (EDTA), a sodium salt thereof, or heparin. The blood collection tube can include a passivation layer or pH protective coating for preventing the agent from attacking an SiOx barrier coating or layer in the vessel. The use of a coated substrate according to any described embodiment is contemplated for storing blood. Optionally, the stored blood can be viable for return to the vascular system of a patient.
Use of a coating or layer according to any described embodiment can be contemplated as (i) a lubricity coating having a lower frictional resistance than the uncoated surface; and/or (ii) a passivation layer or pH protective coating preventing dissolution of the barrier coating or layer in contact with a fluid, and/or (iii) a hydrophobic layer that can be more hydrophobic than the uncoated surface.
Measurement of Coating Thickness
The thickness of a PECVD coating or layer such as the passivation layer or pH protective coating, the barrier coating or layer, the lubricity coating or layer, and/or a composite of any two or more of these layers can be measured, for example, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). An exemplary TEM image for a lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating on an SiOx barrier coating or layer is shown in
The TEM can be carried out, for example, as follows. Samples can be prepared for Focused Ion Beam (FIB) cross-sectioning in two ways. Either the samples can be first coated with a thin layer of carbon (50-100 nm thick) and then coated with a sputtered coating or layer of platinum (50-100 nm thick) using a K575X Emitech passivation layer or pH protective coating system, or the samples can be coated directly with the protective sputtered Pt layer. The coated samples can be placed in an FEI FIB200 FIB system. An additional coating or layer of platinum can be FIB-deposited by injection of an organometallic gas while rastering the 30 kV gallium ion beam over the area of interest. The area of interest for each sample can be chosen to be a location half way down the length of the syringe barrel. Thin cross sections measuring approximately 15 μm (“micrometers”) long, 2 μm wide and 15 μm deep can be extracted from the die surface using an in-situ FIB lift-out technique. The cross sections can be attached to a 200 mesh copper TEM grid using FIB-deposited platinum. One or two windows in each section, measuring about 8 μm wide, can be thinned to electron transparency using the gallium ion beam of the FEI FIB.
Cross-sectional image analysis of the prepared samples can be performed utilizing either a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), or a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), or both. All imaging data can be recorded digitally. For STEM imaging, the grid with the thinned foils can be transferred to a Hitachi HD2300 dedicated STEM. Scanning transmitted electron images can be acquired at appropriate magnifications in atomic number contrast mode (ZC) and transmitted electron mode (TE). The following instrument settings can be used.
For TEM analysis the sample grids can be transferred to a Hitachi HF2000 transmission electron microscope. Transmitted electron images can be acquired at appropriate magnifications. The relevant instrument settings used during image acquisition can be those given below.
Basic Protocols for Forming and Coating Syringe Barrels
The pharmaceutical packages or other vessels tested in the subsequent working examples were formed and coated according to the following exemplary protocols, except as otherwise indicated in individual examples. Particular parameter values given in the following basic protocols, for example the electric power and gaseous reactant or process gas flow, are typical values. When parameter values were changed in comparison to these typical values, this will be indicated in the subsequent working examples. The same applies to the type and composition of the gaseous reactant or process gas.
In some instances, the reference characters and Figures mentioned in the following protocols and additional details can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188.
Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with SiOx
The apparatus and protocol generally as found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188 were used for coating syringe barrel interiors with an SiOx barrier coating or layer, in some cases with minor variations. A similar apparatus and protocol were used for coating vials with an SiOx barrier coating or layer, in some cases with minor variations.
Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS Passivation Layer or pH Protective Coating
Syringe barrels already interior coated with a barrier coating or layer of SiOx, as previously identified, are further interior coated with a passivation layer or pH protective coating as previously identified, generally following the protocols of U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188 for applying the lubricity coating or layer, except with modified conditions in certain instances as noted in the working examples. The conditions given here are for a COC syringe barrel, and can be modified as appropriate for syringe barrels made of other materials. The apparatus as generally shown in
The syringe barrel is carefully moved into the sealing position over the extended probe or counter electrode 108 and pushed against a plasma screen. The plasma screen is fit snugly around the probe or counter electrode 108 insuring good electrical contact. The probe or counter electrode 108 is grounded to the casing of the RF matching network.
The gas delivery port 110 is connected to a manual ball valve or similar apparatus for venting, a thermocouple pressure gauge and a bypass valve connected to the vacuum pumping line. In addition, the gas system is connected to the gas delivery port 110 allowing the gaseous reactant or process gas, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) (or the specific gaseous reactant or process gas reported for a particular example) to be flowed through the gas delivery port 110 (under process pressures) into the interior of the syringe barrel.
The gas system is comprised of a commercially available heated mass flow vaporization system that heats the OMCTS to about 100° C. The heated mass flow vaporization system is connected to liquid octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (Alfa Aesar® Part Number A12540, 98%). The OMCTS flow rate is set to the specific organosilicon precursor flow reported for a particular example. To ensure no condensation of the vaporized OMCTS flow past this point, the gas stream is diverted to the pumping line when it is not flowing into the interior of the COC syringe barrel for processing.
Once the syringe barrel is installed, the vacuum pump valve is opened to the vessel holder 50 and the interior of the COC syringe barrel. A vacuum pump and blower comprise the vacuum pump system. The pumping system allows the interior of the COC syringe barrel to be reduced to pressure(s) of less than 100 mTorr while the gaseous reactant or process gases is flowing at the indicated rates.
Once the base vacuum level is achieved, the vessel holder 50 assembly is moved into the electrode 160 assembly. The gas stream (OMCTS vapor) is flowed into the gas delivery port 110 (by adjusting the 3-way valve from the pumping line to the gas delivery port 110. The plasma for PECVD, if used, can be generated at reduced pressure and the reduced pressure can be less than 300 mTorr, optionally less than 200 mTorr, even optionally less than 100 mTorr. Pressure inside the COC syringe barrel can be, as one example, approximately 140 mTorr as measured by a capacitance manometer (MKS) installed on the pumping line near the valve that controls the vacuum. In addition to the COC syringe barrel pressure, the pressure inside the gas delivery port 110 and gas system is also measured with the thermocouple vacuum gauge that is connected to the gas system. This pressure is typically less than 6 Torr.
Once the gas is flowing to the interior of the COC syringe barrel, the RF power supply is turned on to its fixed power level or as otherwise indicated in a specific example or description. The physical and chemical properties of the passivation layer or pH protective coating can be set by setting the ratio of oxidizing gas to the organosilicon precursor in the gaseous reactant, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma. A 600 Watt RF power supply is used (at 13.56 MHz) at a fixed power level or as otherwise indicated in a specific example or description. The RF power supply is connected to an auto match which matches the complex impedance of the plasma (to be created in the vessel) to the output impedance of the RF power supply. The forward power is as stated and the reflected power is 0 Watts so that the stated power is delivered to the interior of the vessel. The RF power supply is controlled by a laboratory timer and the power on time set to 10 seconds (or a different time stated in a given example).
Upon initiation of the RF power, uniform plasma is established inside the interior of the vessel. The plasma is maintained for the entire passivation layer or pH protective coating time, until the RF power is terminated by the timer. The plasma produces a passivation layer or pH protective coating on the interior of the vessel.
After applying the passivation layer or pH protective coating, the gas flow is diverted back to the vacuum line and the vacuum valve is closed. The vent valve is then opened, returning the interior of the COC syringe barrel to atmospheric pressure (approximately 760 Torr). The treated vessel is then carefully removed from the vessel holder 50 assembly (after moving the vessel holder 50 assembly out of the electrode 160 assembly).
A similar protocol is used, except using apparatus generally like that of
Protocol for Total Silicon Measurement
This protocol is used to determine the total amount of silicon coatings present on the entire vessel wall. A supply of 0.1 N potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous solution is prepared, taking care to avoid contact between the solution or ingredients and glass. The water used is purified water, 18 M′Ω quality. A Perkin Elmer Optima Model 7300DV ICP-OES instrument is used for the measurement except as otherwise indicated.
Each device (vial, syringe, tube, or the like) to be tested and its cap and crimp (in the case of a vial) or other closure are weighed empty to 0.001 g, then filled completely with the KOH solution (with no headspace), capped, crimped, and reweighed to 0.001 g. In a digestion step, each vial is placed in a sonicating water bath at 40° C. for a minimum of 8-10 hours. The digestion step is carried out to quantitatively remove the silicon coatings from the vessel wall into the KOH solution. After this digestion step, the vials are removed from the sonicating water bath and allowed to cool to room temperature. The contents of the vials are transferred into 15 ml ICP tubes. The total Si concentration is run on each solution by ICP/OES following the operating procedure for the ICP/OES.
The total Si concentration is reported as parts per billion of Si in the KOH solution. This concentration represents the total amount of silicon coatings that were on the vessel wall before the digestion step was used to remove it.
The total Si concentration can also be determined for fewer than all the silicon layers on the vessel, as when an SiOx barrier coating or layer is applied, an SiOxCy second layer (for example, a lubricity layer or a passivation layer or pH protective coating) is then applied, and it is desired to know the total silicon concentration of just the SiOxCy layer. This determination is made by preparing two sets of vessels, one set to which only the SiOx layer is applied and the other set to which the same SiOx layer is applied, followed by the SiOxCy layer or other layers of interest. The total Si concentration for each set of vessels is determined in the same manner as described above. The difference between the two Si concentrations is the total Si concentration of the SiOxCy second layer.
Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel
In some of the working examples, the amount of silicon dissolved from the wall of the vessel by a test solution is determined, in parts per billion (ppb), for example to evaluate the dissolution rate of the test solution. This determination of dissolved silicon is made by storing the test solution in a vessel provided with an SiOx and/or SiOxCy coating or layer under test conditions, then removing a sample of the solution from the vessel and testing the Si concentration of the sample. The test is done in the same manner as the Protocol for Total Silicon Measurement, except that the digestion step of that protocol is replaced by storage of the test solution in the vessel as described in this protocol. The total Si concentration is reported as parts per billion of Si in the test solution
Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate
The average dissolution rates reported in the working examples are determined as follows. A series of test vessels having a known total total silicon measurement are filled with the desired test solution analogous to the manner of filling the vials with the KOH solution in the Protocol for Total Silicon Measurement. (The test solution can be a physiologically inactive test solution as employed in the present working examples or a physiologically active pharmaceutical preparation intended to be stored in the vessels to form a pharmaceutical package). The test solution is stored in respective vessels for several different amounts of time, then analyzed for the Si concentration in parts per billion in the test solution for each storage time. The respective storage times and Si concentrations are then plotted. The plots are studied to find a series of substantially linear points having the steepest slope.
The plot of dissolution amount (ppb Si) versus days decreases in slope with time. It is believed that the dissolution rate is not flattening out because the Si layer has been fully digested by the test solution.
For the PC194 test data in Table 10 below, linear plots of dissolution versus time data are prepared by using a least squares linear regression program to find a linear plot corresponding to the first five data points of each of the experimental plots. The slope of each linear plot is then determined and reported as representing the average dissolution rate applicable to the test, measured in parts per billion of Si dissolved in the test solution per unit of time.
Protocol for Determining Calculated Shelf Life
The calculated shelf life values reported in the working examples below are determined by extrapolation of the total silicon measurements and average dissolution rates, respectively determined as described in the Protocol for Total Silicon Measurement and the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate. The assumption is made that under the indicated storage conditions the SiOxCy passivation layer or pH protective coating will be removed at the average dissolution rate until the coating is entirely removed. Thus, the total silicon measurement for the vessel, divided by the dissolution rate, gives the period of time required for the test solution to totally dissolve the SiOxCy coating. This period of time is reported as the calculated shelf life. Unlike commercial shelf life calculations, no safety factor is calculated. Instead, the calculated shelf life is the calculated time to failure.
It should be understood that because the plot of ppb Si versus hours decreases in slope with time, an extrapolation from relatively short measurement times to relatively long calculated shelf lives is believed to be a “worst case” test that tends to underestimate the calculated shelf life actually obtainable.
SEM Procedure
SEM Sample Preparation: Each syringe sample was cut in half along its length (to expose the inner or interior surface). The top of the syringe (Luer end) was cut off to make the sample smaller.
The sample was mounted onto the sample holder with conductive graphite adhesive, then put into a Denton Desk IV SEM Sample Preparation System, and a thin (approximately 50 Å) gold passivation layer or pH protective coating was sputtered onto the inner or interior surface of the syringe. The gold passivation layer or pH protective coating is required to eliminate charging of the surface during measurement.
The sample was removed from the sputter system and mounted onto the sample stage of a Jeol JSM 6390 SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). The sample was pumped down to at least 1×10−6 Torr in the sample compartment. Once the sample reached the required vacuum level, the slit valve was opened and the sample was moved into the analysis station.
The sample was imaged at a coarse resolution first, then higher magnification images were accumulated. The SEM images provided in the Figures are 5 μm edge-to-edge (horizontal and vertical).
AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) Procedure.
AFM images were collected using a NanoScope III Dimension 3000 machine (Digital Instruments, Santa Barbara, Calif., USA). The instrument was calibrated against a NIST traceable standard. Etched silicon scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips were used. Image processing procedures involving auto-flattening, plane fitting or convolution were employed. One 10 μm×10 μm area was imaged. Roughness analyses were performed and were expressed in: (1) Root-Mean-Square Roughness, RMS; 2 Mean Roughness, Ra; and (3) Maximum Height (Peak-to-Valley), Rmax, all measured in nm (see Table 5). For the roughness analyses, each sample was imaged over the 10 μm×10 μm area, followed by three cross sections selected by the analyst to cut through features in the 10 μm×10 μm images. The vertical depth of the features was measures using the cross section tool. For each cross section, a Root-Mean-Square Roughness (RMS) in nanmeters was reported. These RMS values along with the average of the three cross sections for each sample are listed in Table 5.
Additional analysis of the 10 μm×10 μm images represented by Examples Q, T and V was carried out. For this analysis three cross sections were extracted from each image. The locations of the cross sections were selected by the analyst to cut through features in the images. The vertical depth of the features was measured using the cross section tool.
The Digital Instruments Nanoscope III AFM/STM acquires and stores 3-dimensional representations of surfaces in a digital format. These surfaces can be analyzed in a variety of ways.
The Nanoscope III software can perform a roughness analysis of any AFM or STM image. The product of this analysis is a single page reproducing the selected image in top view. To the upper right of the image is the “Image Statistics” box, which lists the calculated characteristics of the whole image minus any areas excluded by a stopband (a box with an X through it). Similar additional statistics can be calculated for a selected portion of the image and these are listed in the “Box Statistics” in the lower right portion of the page. What follows is a description and explanation of these statistics.
Image Statistics:
Z Range (Rp): The difference between the highest and lowest points in the image. The value is not corrected for tilt in the plane of the image; therefore, plane fitting or flattening the data will change the value.
Mean: The average of all of the Z values in the imaged area. This value is not corrected for the tilt in the plane of the image; therefore, plane fitting or flattening the data will change this value.
RMS (Rq): This is the standard deviation of the Z values (or RMS roughness) in the image. It is calculated according to the formula:
Rq═{Σ(Z1−Zavg)2/N}
where Zavg is the average Z value within the image; Z1 is the current value of Z; and N is the number of points in the image. This value is not corrected for tilt in the plane of the image; therefore, plane fitting or flattening the data will change this value.
Mean roughness (Ra): This is the mean value of the surface relative to the Center Plane and is calculated using the formula:
Ra=[1/(LxLy)]∫0Ly∫0Lx{f(x,y)}dxdy
where f(x,y) is the surface relative to the Center plane, and Lx and Ly are the dimensions of the surface.
Max height (Rmax): This is the difference in height between the highest and lowest points of the surface relative to the Mean Plane.
Surface area: (Optical calculation): This is the area of the 3-dimensional surface of the imaged area. It is calculated by taking the sum of the areas of the triangles formed by 3 adjacent data points throughout the image.
Surface area diff: (Optional calculation) This is the amount that the Surface area is in excess of the imaged area. It is expressed as a percentage and is calculated according to the formula:
Surface area diff=100[(Surface area/S12−1]
where S1 is the length (and width) of the scanned area minus any areas excluded by stopbands.
Center Plane: A flat plane that is parallel to the Mean Plane. The volumes enclosed by the image surface above and below the center plane are equal.
Mean Plane: The image data has a minimum variance about this flat plane. It results from a first order least squares fit on the Z data.
The working examples follow. While much of the testing is carried out using thermoplastic vessels, instead of glass vessels, and protecting barrier coatings, instead of preventing glass delamination, the testing of the passivation layer or pH protective coating is analogous in either type of vessel.
Syringe samples were produced as follows. A COC 8007 extended barrel syringe was produced according to the Protocol for Forming COC Syringe Barrel. An SiOx coating or layer was applied to some of the syringes according to the Protocol for coating COC Syringe Barrel Interior with SiOx. A lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating was applied to the SiOx coated syringes according to the Protocol for Coating COC Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS Lubricity Coating, modified as follows. The OMCTS was supplied from a vaporizer, due to its low volatility. Argon carrier gas was used. The process conditions were set to the following:
The coater was later determined to have a small leak while producing the L2 samples identified in the Table, which resulted in an estimated oxygen flow of 1.0 sccm. The L3 samples were produced without introducing oxygen.
Several syringes were then tested for lubricity using a Genesis Packaging Plunger Force Tester (Model SFT-01 Syringe Force Tester, manufactured by Genesis Machinery, Lionville, Pa.) according to the Protocol for Lubricity Testing. Both the initiation force and maintenance forces (in Newtons) were noted relative to an uncoated sample, and are reported in Table 1.
Syringes coated with silicone oil were included as a reference since this is the current industry standard.
The lubricity coatings produced according to these working examples are also contemplated to function as passivation layers or pH protective coatings or layers to increase the shelf life of the vessels, compared to similar vessels provided with a barrier coating or layer but no lubricity coating or layer.
Syringe samples were produced as follows. A COC 8007 extended barrel syringe was produced according to the Protocol for Forming COC Syringe Barrel. An SiOx passivation layer or pH protective coating was applied to the syringe barrels according to the Protocol for Coating COC Syringe Barrel Interior with SiOx. A lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating was applied to the SiOx coated syringes according to the Protocol for Coating COC Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS, modified as follows. Argon carrier gas and oxygen were used where noted in Table 2. The process conditions were set to the following, or as indicated in Table 2:
Syringes E and F prepared under these conditions, Syringes G prepared under these conditions except without a lubricity layer or a passivation layer or pH protective coating, and Syringes H (a commercial syringe coated with silicone oil) were then tested for lubricity using a Genesis Packaging Plunger Force Tester according to the Protocol for Lubricity Testing. Both the initiation force and maintenance forces (in Newtons) were noted relative to an uncoated sample, and are reported in Table 2. Syringes coated with silicone oil were included as a reference since this is the current industry standard.
The lubricity results are shown in Table 2 (Initiation Force and Maintenance Force), illustrating under these test conditions as well that the lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating on Syringes E and F markedly improved their lubricity compared to Syringes G which lacked any lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating. The lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating on Syringes E and F also markedly improved their lubricity compared to Syringes H which contained the standard lubricity coating or layer in the industry.
Syringes E, F, and G were also tested to determine total extractable silicon levels (representing extraction of the organosilicon-based PECVD passivation layer or pH protective coating) using the Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel, modified and supplemented as shown in this example.
The silicon was extracted using saline water digestion. The tip of each syringe plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal was covered with PTFE tape to prevent extracting material from the elastomeric tip material, then inserted into the syringe barrel base. The syringe barrel was filled with two milliliters of 0.9% aqueous saline solution via a hypodermic needle inserted through the Luer tip of the syringe. This is an appropriate test for extractables because many prefilled syringes are used to contain and deliver saline solution. The Luer tip was plugged with a piece of PTFE beading of appropriate diameter. The syringe was set into a PTFE test stand with the Luer tip facing up and placed in an oven at 50° C. for 72 hours.
Then, either a static or a dynamic mode was used to remove the saline solution from the syringe barrel. According to the static mode indicated in Table 2, the syringe plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal was removed from the test stand, and the fluid in the syringe was decanted into a vessel. According to the dynamic mode indicated in Table 2, the Luer tip seal was removed and the plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal was depressed to push fluid through the syringe barrel and expel the contents into a vessel. In either case, the fluid obtained from each syringe barrel was brought to a volume of 50 ml using 18.2 MΩ-cm deionized water and further diluted 2× to minimize sodium background during analysis. The CVH barrels contained two milliliters and the commercial barrels contained 2.32 milliliters.
Next, the fluid recovered from each syringe was tested for extractable silicon using the Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel. The instrument used was a Perkin Elmer Elan DRC II equipped with a Cetac ASX-520 autosampler. The following ICP-MS conditions were employed:
Aliquots from aqueous dilutions obtained from Syringes E, F, and G were injected and analyzed for Si in concentration units of micrograms per liter. The results of this test are shown in Table 2. While the results are not quantitative, they do indicate that extractables from the lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating are not clearly higher than the extractables for the SiOx barrier coating or layer only. Also, the static mode produced far less extractables than the dynamic mode, which was expected.
Syringe samples I, J, and K, employing three different lubricity and/or passivation layers or pH protective coatings or layers, were produced in the same manner as for Examples E-H except as follows or as indicated in Table 3:
Syringe I had a three-component passivation layer or pH protective coating employing OMCTS, oxygen, and carrier gas. Syringe J had a two component passivation layer or pH protective coating employing OMCTS and oxygen, but no carrier gas. Syringe K had a one-component passivation layer or pH protective coating (OMCTS only). Syringes I, J, and K were then tested for lubricity as described for Examples E-H.
The lubricity results are shown in Table 3 (Initiation Force and Maintenance Force). Syringe I with a three-component passivation layer or pH protective coating employing OMCTS, oxygen, and carrier gas provided the best lubricity results for both initiation force and maintenance force. Syringe J omitting the carrier gas yielded intermediate results. Syringe K had a one-component passivation layer or pH protective coating (OMCTS only), and provided the lowest lubricity. This example shows that the addition of both a carrier gas and oxygen to the process gas improved lubricity under the tested conditions.
The lubricity coatings produced according to these working examples are also contemplated to function as passivation layers or pH protective coatings or layers to increase the shelf life of the vessels, compared to similar vessels provided with a barrier coating or layer but no lubricity coating or layer.
Examples I-K using an OMCTS precursor gas were repeated in Examples L-N, except that HMDSO was used as the precursor in Examples L-N. The results are shown in Table 3. The results show that for the tested three-component, two-component, and one-component lubricity coating or layer, the OMCTS passivation layer or pH protective coating provided lower resistance, thus better lubricity, than the HMDSO passivation layer or pH protective coating, demonstrating the value of OMCTS as the precursor gas for lubricity.
The lubricity coatings produced according to these working examples are also contemplated to function as passivation layers or pH protective coatings or layers to increase the shelf life of the vessels, compared to similar vessels provided with a barrier coating or layer but no lubricity coating or layer.
In these examples the surface roughness of the lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating was correlated with lubricity and/or protective performance.
OMCTS lubricity coatings or layers were applied with previously described equipment with the indicated specific process conditions (Table 5) onto one milliliter COC 6013 molded syringe barrels. Plunger force measurements (Fi, Fm) (Table 5) were performed with previously described equipment under the same protocols. Scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) photomicrographs (Table 5,
Comparison of Fi/Fm to SEM photomicrograph to AFM Average RMS values clearly indicates that lower plunger forces are realized with non-continuous, rougher OMCTS plasma-coated surfaces (cf. Samples O to Q vs. R to V).
Further testing was carried out on sister samples Examples W, X, and Y, respectively made under conditions similar to Example Q, T, and V, to show the Fi and Fm values corresponding to the AFM roughness data. Example W which has a higher surface roughness (compare Example Q in Table 5) has much lower Fi and Fm friction values (Table 6) than Example X or Y. The Fm test shown in Table 6 was interrupted before reaching the measured value of Fm for Examples X and Y because the Fm value was too high.
The lubricity coatings produced according to these working examples are also contemplated to function as passivation layers or pH protective coatings or layers to increase the shelf life of the vessels, compared to similar vessels provided with a barrier coating or layer but no lubricity coating or layer.
Summary of Lubricity and/or Protective Measurements
Table 8 shows a summary of the above OMCTS coatings or layers and their Fi and Fm values. It should be understood that the initial lubricity and/or passivation layer or pH protective coating work (C-K; roughness not known) was to identify the lowest possible plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal advancing force attainable. From subsequent market input, it was determined that the lowest achievable force was not necessarily most desirable, for reasons explained in the generic description (for example premature release). Thus, the PECVD reaction parameters were varied to obtain a plunger tip, piston, stopper, or seal force of practical market use.
Silicon extractables from syringes were measured using ICP-MS analysis as described in the Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel. The syringes were evaluated in both static and dynamic situations. The Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel, modified as follows, describes the test procedure:
Syringe filled with 2 ml of 0.9% saline solution
Syringe placed in a stand—stored at 50° C. for 72 hours.
After 72 hours saline solution test for dissolved silicon
Dissolved silicon measured before and after saline solution expelled through syringe.
The extractable Silicon Levels from a silicone oil coated glass syringe and a Lubricity and/or protective coated and SiOx coated COC syringe are shown in Table 7. Precision of the ICP-MS total silicon measurement is +/−3%.
The Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel is followed, except as modified here. Test solutions—50 mM buffer solutions at pH 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 are prepared. Buffers are selected having appropriate pKa values to provide the pH values being studied. A potassium phosphate buffer is selected for pH 3, 7, 8 and 12, a sodium citrate buffer is utilized for pH 6 and tris buffer is selected for pH 9. 3 ml of each test solution is placed in borosilicate glass 5 ml pharmaceutical vials and SiOx coated 5 ml thermoplastic pharmaceutical vials. The vials are all closed with standard coated stoppers and crimped. The vials are placed in storage at 20-25° C. and pulled at various time points for inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP) analysis of Si content in the solutions contained in the vials, in parts per billion (ppb) by weight, for different storage times.
The Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate Si content is used to monitor the rate of glass dissolution, except as modified here. The data is plotted to determine an average rate of dissolution of borosilicate glass or SiOx coating at each pH condition. Representative plots at pH 6 through 8 are
The rate of Si dissolution in ppb is converted to a predicted thickness (nm) rate of Si dissolution by determining the total weight of Si removed, then using a surface area calculation of the amount of vial surface (11.65 cm2) exposed to the solution and a density of SiOx of 2.2 g/cm3.
The coating thicknesses in
The following conclusions are reached, based on this test. First, the amount of dissolved Si in the SiOx coating or glass increases exponentially with increasing pH. Second, the SiOx coating dissolves more slowly than borosilicate glass at a pH lower than 8. The SiOx coating shows a linear, monophasic dissolution over time, whereas borosilicate glass tends to show a more rapid dissolution in the early hours of exposure to solutions, followed by a slower linear dissolution. This may be due to surface accumulation of some salts and elements on borosilicate during the forming process relative to the uniform composition of the SiOx coating. This result incidentally suggests the utility of an SiOx coating on the wall of a borosilicate glass vial to reduce dissolution of the glass at a pH lower than 8. Third, PECVD applied barrier coatings or layers for vials in which pharmaceutical preparations are stored will need to be adapted to the specific pharmaceutical preparation and proposed storage conditions (or vice versa), at least in some instances in which the pharmaceutical preparation interacts with the barrier coating or layer significantly.
An experiment is conducted with vessels coated with SiOx coating+OMCTS lubricity layer, to test the lubricity layer for its functionality as a passivation layer or pH protective coating. The vessels are 5 mL vials (the vials are normally filled with product to 5 mL; their capacity without headspace, when capped, is about 7.5 mL) composed of cyclic olefin co-polymer (COC, Topas® 6013M-07).
Sixty vessels are coated on their interior surfaces with an SiOx coating produced in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process using a HMDSO precursor gas according to the Protocol for Coating Tube Interior with SiOx set forth above, except that equipment suitable for coating a vial is used. The following conditions are used.
Next the SiOx coated vials are coated over the SiOx with an SiOxCy coating produced in a PECVD process using an OMCTS precursor gas according to the Protocol for Coating COC Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS Lubricity Coating set forth above, except that the same coating equipment is used as for the SiOx coating. Thus, the special adaptations in the protocol for coating a syringe are not used. The following conditions are used.
Eight vials are selected and the total deposited quantity of PECVD coating (SiOx+SiOxCy) is determined with a Perkin Elmer Optima Model 7300DV ICP-OES instrument, using the Protocol for Total Silicon Measurement set forth above. This measurement determines the total amount of silicon in both coatings, and does not distinguish between the respective SiOx and SiOxCy coatings. The results are shown below.
In the following work, except as indicated otherwise in this example, the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate is followed. Two buffered pH test solutions are used in the remainder of the experiment, respectively at pH 4 and pH 8 to test the effect of pH on dissolution rate. Both test solutions are 50 mM buffers using potassium phosphate as the buffer, diluted in water for injection (WFI) (0.1 um sterilized, filtered). The pH is adjusted to pH 4 or 8, respectively, with concentrated nitric acid.
25 vials are filled with 7.5 ml per vial of pH 4 buffered test solution and 25 other vials are filled with 7.5 ml per vial of pH 4 buffered test solution (note the fill level is to the top of the vial—no head space). The vials are closed using prewashed butyl stoppers and aluminum crimps. The vials at each pH are split into two groups. One group at each pH containing 12 vials is stored at 4° C. and the second group of 13 vials is stored at 23° C.
The vials are sampled at Days 1, 3, 6, and 8. The Protocol for Measuring Dissolved Silicon in a Vessel is used, except as otherwise indicated in this example. The analytical result is reported on the basis of parts per billion of silicon in the buffered test solutions of each vial. A dissolution rate is calculated in terms of parts per billion per day as described above in the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate. The results at the respective storage temperatures follow:
The observations of Si dissolution versus time for the OMCTS-based coating at pH 8 and pH 4 indicate the pH 4 rates are higher at ambient conditions. Thus, the pH 4 rates are used to determine how much material would need to be initially applied to leave a coating of adequate thickness at the end of the shelf life, taking account of the amount of the initial coating that would be dissolved. The results of this calculation are:
Based on this calculation, the OMCTS lubricity layer needs to be about 2.5 times thicker—resulting in dissolution of 33945 ppb versus the 14,371 ppb representing the entire mass of coating tested—to achieve a 3-year calculated shelf life.
The results of Comparative Example AA and Example BB above can be compared as follows, where the “lubricity layer” is the coating of SiOxCy referred to in Example BB.
This data shows that the silicon dissolution rate of SiOx alone is reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude at pH 8 in vials also coated with SiOxCy coatings.
Another comparison is shown by the following data from several different experiments carried out under similar accelerated dissolution conditions, of which the 1-day data is also presented in
Samples 1-6 as listed in Table 9 were prepared as described in Example AA, with further details as follows.
A cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resin was injection molded to form a batch of 5 ml vials. Silicon chips were adhered with double-sided adhesive tape to the internal walls of the vials. The vials and chips were coated with a two layer coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The first layer was composed of SiOx with barrier coating or layer properties as defined in the present disclosure, and the second layer was an SiOxCy passivation layer or pH protective coating.
A precursor gas mixture comprising OMCTS, argon, and oxygen was introduced inside each vial. The gas inside the vial was excited between capacitively coupled electrodes by a radio-frequency (13.56 MHz) power source as described in connection with
A composite parameter, W/FM in units of kJ/kg, was calculated from process parameters W, Fm, Fo and the molecular weight, M in g/mol, of the individual gas species. W/FM is defined as the energy input per unit mass of polymerizing gases. Polymerizing gases are defined as those species that are incorporated into the growing coating such as, but not limited to, the monomer and oxygen. Non-polymerizing gases, by contrast, are those species that are not incorporated into the growing coating, such as but not limited to argon, helium and neon.
In this test, PECVD processing at high W/FM is believed to have resulted in higher monomer fragmentation, producing organosiloxane coatings with higher cross-link density. PECVD processing at low W/FM, by comparison, is believed to have resulted in lower monomer fragmentation producing organosiloxane coatings with a relatively lower cross-link density.
The relative cross-link density of samples 5, 6, 2, and 3 was compared between different coatings by measuring FTIR absorbance spectra. The spectra of samples 5, 6, 2, and 3 are provided in
A qualitative relation—whether the coating appeared oily (shiny, often with irridescence) or non-oily (non-shiny) when applied on the silicon chips—was also found to correlate with the W/FM values in Table 9. Oily appearing coatings deposited at lower W/FM values, as confirmed by Table 9, are believed to have a lower crosslink density, as determined by their lower sym/asym ratio, relative to the non-oily coatings that were deposited at higher W/FM and a higher cross-link density. The only exception to this general rule of thumb was sample 2 in Table 9. It is believed that the coating of sample 2 exhibited a non-oily appearance because it was was too thin to see. Thus, an oilyness observation was not reported in Table 9 for sample 2. The chips were analyzed by FTIR in transmission mode, with the infrared spectrum transmitted through the chip and sample coating, and the transmission through an uncoated null chip subtracted.
Non-oily organosiloxane layers produced at higher W/FM values, which protect the underlying SiOx coating from aqueous solutions at elevated pH and temperature, were preferred because they provided lower Si dissolution and a longer shelf life, as confirmed by Table 9. For example, the calculated silicon dissolution by contents of the vial at a pH of 8 and 40° C. was reduced for the non-oily coatings, and the resulting shelf life was 1381 days in one case and 1147 days in another, as opposed to the much shorter shelf lives and higher rates of dissolution for oily coatings. Calculated shelf life was determined as shown for Example AA. The calculated shelf life also correlated linearly to the ratio of symmetric to asymmetric stretching modes of the Si—O—Si bond in organosiloxane passivation layers or pH protective coatings.
Sample 6 can be particularly compared to Sample 5. An organosiloxane, pH passivation layer or pH protective coating was deposited according to the process conditions of sample 6 in Table 9. The coating was deposited at a high W/FM. This resulted in a non-oily coating with a high Si—O—Si sym/asym ratio of 0.958, which resulted in a low rate of dissolution of 84.1 ppb/day (measured by the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate) and long shelf life of 1147 days (measured by the Protocol for Determining Calculated Shelf Life). The FTIR spectra of this exhibits a relatively similar asymmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance compared to the symmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance. This is an indication of a higher cross-link density coating, which is a preferred characteristic for pH protection and long shelf life.
An organosiloxane pH passivation layer or pH protective coating was deposited according to the process conditions of sample 5 in Table 9. The coating was deposited at a moderate W/FM. This resulted in an oily coating with a low Si—O—Si sym/asym ratio of 0.673, which resulted in a high rate of dissolution of 236.7 ppb/day (following the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate) and shorter shelf life of 271 days (following the Protocol for Determining Calculated Shelf Life). The FTIR spectrum of this coating is shown in
Sample 2 can be particularly compared to Sample 3. A passivation layer or pH protective coating was deposited according to the process conditions of sample 2 in Table 9. The coating was deposited at a low W/FM. This resulted in a coating that exhibited a low Si—O—Si sym/asym ratio of 0.582, which resulted in a high rate of dissolution of 174 ppb/day and short shelf life of 107 days. The FTIR spectrum of this coating exhibits a relatively high asymmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance compared to the symmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance. This is an indication of a lower cross-link density coating, which is an unfavorable characteristic for pH protection and long shelf life.
An organosiloxane, pH passivation layer or pH protective coating was deposited according to the process conditions of sample 3 in Table 9. The coating was deposited at a high W/FM. This resulted in a non-oily coating with a high Si—O—Si sym/asym ratio of 0.947, which resulted in a low rate of Si dissolution of 79.5 ppb/day (following the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate) and long shelf life of 1381 days (following the Protocol for Determining Calculated Shelf Life). The FTIR spectrum of this coating exhibits a relatively similar asymmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance compared to the symmetric Si—O—Si peak absorbance. This is an indication of a higher cross-link density coating, which is a preferred characteristic for pH protection and long shelf life.
An experiment similar to Example BB was carried out, modified as indicated in this example and in Table 10 (where the results are tabulated). 100 5 mL COP vials were made and coated with an SiOx barrier coating or layer and an OMCTS-based passivation layer or pH protective coating as described previously, except that for Sample PC194 only the passivation layer or pH protective coating was applied. The coating quantity was again measured in parts per billion extracted from the surfaces of the vials to remove the entire passivation layer or pH protective coating, as reported in Table 10.
In this example, several different coating dissolution conditions were employed. The test solutions used for dissolution contained either 0.02 or 0.2 wt. % polysorbate-80 surfactant, as well as a buffer to maintain a pH of 8. Dissolution tests were carried out at either 23° C. or 40° C.
Multiple syringes were filled with each test solution, stored at the indicated temperature, and analyzed at several intervals to determine the extraction profile and the amount of silicon extracted. An average dissolution rate for protracted storage times was then calculated by extrapolating the data obtained according to the Protocol for Determining Average Dissolution Rate. The results were calculated as described previously and are shown in Table 10. Of particular note, as shown on Table 10, were the very long calculated shelf lives of the filled packages provided with a PC 194 passivation layer or pH protective coating:
21045 days (over 57 years) based on storage at a pH of 8, 0.02 wt. % polysorbate-80 surfactant, at 23° C.;
38768 days (over 100 years) based on storage at a pH of 8, 0.2 wt. % polysorbate-80 surfactant, at 23° C.;
8184 days (over 22 years) based on storage at a pH of 8, 0.02 wt. % polysorbate-80 surfactant, at 40° C.; and
14732 days (over 40 years) based on storage at a pH of 8, 0.2 wt. % polysorbate-80 surfactant, at 40° C.
Referring to Table 10, the longest calculated shelf lives corresponded with the use of an RF power level of 150 Watts and a corresponding high W/FM value. It is believed that the use of a higher power level causes higher cross-link density of the passivation layer or pH protective coating.
Another series of experiments similar to those of Example EE are run, showing the effect of progressively increasing the RF power level on the FTIR absorbance spectrum of the passivation layer or pH protective coating. The results are tabulated in Table 11, which in each instance shows a symmetric/assymmetric ratio greater than 0.75 between the maximum amplitude of the Si—O—Si symmetrical stretch peak normally located between about 1000 and 1040 cm−1, and the maximum amplitude of the Si—O—Si assymmetric stretch peak normally located between about 1060 and about 1100 cm−1. Thus, the symmetric/assymmetric ratio is 0.79 at a power level of 20 W, 1.21 or 1.22 at power levels of 40, 60, or 80 W, and 1.26 at 100 Watts under otherwise comparable conditions.
The 150 Watt data in Table 11 is taken under somewhat different conditions than the other data, so it is not directly comparable with the 20-100 Watt data discussed above. The FTIR data of samples 6 and 8 of Table 11 was taken from the upper portion of the vial and the FTIR data of samples 7 and 9 of Table 11 was taken from the lower portion of the vial. Also, the amount of OMCTS was cut in half for samples 8 and 9 of Table 11, compared to samples 6 and 7. Reducing the oxygen level while maintaining a power level of 150 W raised the symmetric/asymmetric ratio still further, as shown by comparing samples 6 and 7 to samples 8 and 9 in Table 11.
It is believed that, other conditions being equal, increasing the symmetric/asymmetric ratio increases the shelf life of a vessel filled with a material having a pH exceeding 5.
Table 12 shows the calculated O-Parameters and N-Parameters (as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070) for the experiments summarized in Table 11. As Table 12 shows, the O-Parameters ranged from 0.134 to 0.343, and the N-Parameters ranged from 0.408 to 0.623—all outside the ranges claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,067,070.
The test purpose was to determine the contact angle or surface energy on the inside surface of two kinds of plastic vials and one kind of glass vial
The specimens that underwent testing and analysis reported here are three kinds of vials. The specimens are (A) an uncoated COP vial, (B) an SiOx+passivation layer or pH protective coating on a COP vial prepared according to the above Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with SiOx, followed by the Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS Passivation layer or pH protective coating, and (C) a glass vial. Small pieces were obtained by cutting the plastic vials or crushing the glass vial in order to test the inside surface.
The analysis instrument for the contact angle tests is the Contact Angle Meter model DM-701, made by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan). To obtain the contact angle, five water droplets were deposited on the inside surface of small pieces obtained from each specimen. The testing conditions and parameters are summarized below. Both plastic vials were cut and trimmed, while the glass vial needed to be crushed. The best representative pieces for each specimen were selected for testing. A dropsize of 1 μL (one microliter) was used for all samples. Due to the curvature of the specimens, a curvature correction routine was used to accurately measure the contact angle. The second table below contains the values for the radius of curvature used for each specimen.
Contact Angle Testing Conditions and Parameters
Radius of Curvature for each Vial Specimen
The contact angle results for each specimen are provided below.
The specimen made from COP plus passivation layer or pH protective coating had the highest average contact angle of all tested specimens. The average contact angle for specimen made from COP plus passivation layer or pH protective coating was 99.1°. The average contact angle for the uncoated COP specimen was 90.5°. The glass specimen had a significantly lower average contact angle at 10.6°. This data shows the utility of the passivation layer or pH protective coating to raise the contact angle of the uncoated COP vessel. It is expected that an SiOx coated vessel without the passivation layer or pH protective coating would exhibit a result similar to glass, which shows a hydrophilic coating relative to the relative to the passivation layer or pH protective coating.
The purpose of this example was to evaluate the recoverability or drainage of a slightly viscous aqueous solution from glass, COP and coated vials,
This study evaluated the recovery of a 30 cps (centipoise) carbohydrate solution in water-for-injection from (A) an uncoated COP vial, (B) an SiOx+passivation layer or pH protective coating on a COP vial prepared according to the above Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with SiOx, followed by the Protocol for Coating Syringe Barrel Interior with OMCTS Passivation layer or pH protective coating, and (C) a glass vial.
2.0 ml of the carbohydrate solution was pipetted into 30 vials each of glass, COP and vials coated with a passivation layer or pH protective coating. The solution was aspirated from the vials with a 10 ml syringe, through a 23 gauge, 1.5″ needle. The vials were tipped to one side as the solution was aspirated to maximize the amount recovered. The same technique and similar withdrawal time was used for all vials. The vials were weighed empty, after placing 2.0 ml of the solution to the vial and at the conclusion of aspirating the solution from the vial. The amount delivered to the vial (A) was determined by subtracting the weight of the empty vial from the weight of the vial with the 2.0 ml of solution. The weight of solution not recovered (B) was determined by subtracting the weight of the empty vial from the weight of the vials after aspirating the solution from the vial. The percent unrecovered was determined by dividing B by A and multiplying by 100.
It was observed during the aspiration of drug product that the glass vials remained wetted with the solution. The COP vial repelled the liquid and as the solution was aspirated from the vials. This helped with recovery but droplets were observed to bead on the sidewalls of the vials during the aspiration. The vials coated with a passivation layer or pH protective coating also repelled the liquid during aspiration but no beading of solution on the sidewalls was observed.
The conclusion was that vials coated with a passivation layer or pH protective coating do not wet with aqueous solutions as do glass vials, leading to superior recovery of drug product relative to glass. Vials coated with a passivation layer or pH protective coating were not observed to cause beading of solution on sidewall during aspiration of aqueous products therefore coated vials performed better than uncoated COP vials in product recovery experiments.
Bi-layer coated (SiOx barrier coating or layer plus passivation layer or pH protective coating) glass vials were subjected to a wide range of chemical and physical challenges:
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/226,463, filed Dec. 19, 2018, which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 14/357,418, which is a U.S. National Phase Application of International Application No. PCT/US2012/064489, filed Nov. 9, 2012, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/558,885, filed Nov. 11, 2011; 61/636,377, filed Apr. 20, 2012; and U.S. Ser. No. 61/645,003, filed May 9, 2012. All of these applications are incorporated here by reference in their entirety. U.S. Provisional Ser. Nos. 61/177,984 filed May 13, 2009; 61/222,727, filed Jul. 2, 2009; 61/213,904, filed Jul. 24, 2009; 61/234,505, filed Aug. 17, 2009; 61/261,321, filed Nov. 14, 2009; 61/263,289, filed Nov. 20, 2009; 61/285,813, filed Dec. 11, 2009; 61/298,159, filed Jan. 25, 2010; 61/299,888, filed Jan. 29, 2010; 61/318,197, filed Mar. 26, 2010; 61/333,625, filed May 11, 2010; 61/413,334, filed Nov. 12, 2010; 12/779,007, filed May 12, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,188; International Application PCT/US11/36097, filed May 11, 2011; U.S. Ser. No. 61/558,885, filed Nov. 11, 2011; U.S. Ser. No. 61/636,377, filed Apr. 20, 2012; U.S. Ser. No. 61/645,003, filed May 9, 2012; and U.S. Ser. No. 61/716,381, filed Oct. 19, 2012; are all incorporated here by reference in their entirety. Also incorporated by reference in their entirety are the following European patent applications: EP10162755.2 filed May 12, 2010; EP10162760.2 filed May 12, 2010; EP10162756.0 filed May 12, 2010; EP10162758.6 filed May 12, 2010; EP10162761.0 filed May 12, 2010; and EP10162757.8 filed May 12, 2010.
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| WO2014012052 | Jan 2014 | WO |
| WO2014012072 | Jan 2014 | WO |
| WO2014012078 | Jan 2014 | WO |
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| WO2014014641 | Jan 2014 | WO |
| WO2014059012 | Apr 2014 | WO |
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| WO2014085346 | Jun 2014 | WO |
| WO2014085348 | Jun 2014 | WO |
| WO2014134577 | Sep 2014 | WO |
| WO2014144926 | Sep 2014 | WO |
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| 20200270025 A1 | Aug 2020 | US |
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| 61636377 | Apr 2012 | US | |
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| Parent | 16226463 | Dec 2018 | US |
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