Removal of residual acetone from metal ion release systems based on silicone films

Abstract

This study presents a method for ensuring the complete removal of acetone from silicone films with and without incorporated cobalt ions, which are employed for cobalt release and for the in vitro investigation of biological effects of released metal ions. To this end, an analytical HPLC method was developed and applied to quantify residual acetone after defined evaporation conditions. Silicone films were prepared both as pure samples and as cobalt-containing samples, saturated with acetone, and subsequently subjected to vacuum evaporation at different temperatures and time intervals. The residual solvent content was then extracted, derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, and analyzed by HPLC. The results showed that acetone could be reduced to blank levels under sufficiently long evaporation conditions, although cobalt-containing samples required more extensive treatment than pure silicone samples. The developed method provides a reliable approach for verifying solvent removal in silicone-based systems and supports reproducible sample preparation for further biomedical investigations.