METHOD OF PREPARING SILVER CHLORIDE ELECTRODES FOR IONTOPHORETIC DRUG DELIVERY DEVICES

摘要

A method for preparing a silver chloride electrode suitable to use as a cathode for an iontophoretic device includes a conductive matrix having a surface to serve as an electrode, and silver chloride. The method further includes placing the conductive matrix into the silver chloride for a sufficient residence time, generally only a few seconds, to allow the conductive matrix to acquire a coating of silver chloride. The matrix is then withdrawn from the silver chloride and quenched, hardening the silver chloride. The matrix with the hardened silver chloride on its surface is then ready for placement in an iontophoretic device as a cathode. Preferably, the method includes dipping the conductive matrix into molten silver chloride forming a layer of silver chloride on its surface. The dipping process may be repeated to increase the thickness of the silver chloride coating when there is a requirement for more silver chloride than can be acquired in a single pass through the silver chloride. Results show that an electrode prepared on a silver plated copper matrix compares favorably with a pure silver matrix.