Molecules (Feb 2023)

Calix[4]arene Derivative for Iodine Capture and Effect on Leaching of Iodine through Packaging

  • Loredana Ferreri,
  • Marco Rapisarda,
  • Melania Leanza,
  • Cristina Munzone,
  • Nicola D’Antona,
  • Grazia Maria Letizia Consoli,
  • Paola Rizzarelli,
  • Emanuela Teresa Agata Spina

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041869
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 4
p. 1869

Abstract

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A hydrophobic calix[4]arene derivative was investigated for its iodine (I2) capture efficiency from gaseous and liquid phase. The iodine uptake was followed by UV-vis spectroscopy. Additionally, the influence of the calix[4]arene derivative–polyolefin system on the leaching of iodine through packaging from a povidone-iodine-based (PVP-I) formulation was evaluated. In fact, iodine is a low-cost, multi-target, and broad-spectrum antiseptic. However, it is volatile, and the extended storage of I2-based formulations is challenging in plastic packaging. Here, we investigated the possibility of reducing the loss of I2 from an iodophor formulation by incorporating 4-tert-butylcalix [4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester (CX) and its iodine complex in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) via a swelling procedure. Surface and bulk changes were monitored by contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The barrier effect of the different polymeric systems (embedded with CX, iodine-CX complex, or I2) was evaluated by monitoring the I2 retention in a buffered PVP-I solution by UV-vis spectroscopy. Overall, experimental data showed the capability of the calix[4]arene derivative to complex iodine in solution and the solid state and a significant reduction in the iodine leaching by the PP-CX systems.

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