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Lisiecki M, Belé TGA, Ügdüler S, Fiorio R, Astrup TF, De Meester S, Ragaert K. Mechanical recycling of printed flexible plastic packaging: The role of binders and pigments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134375. [PMID: 38691991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), extensively employed in flexible plastic packaging, often undergoes printing with inks. However, during the mechanical recycling of post-consumer waste, these inks act as contaminants, subsequently compromising the quality and usability of recycled material. To understand better exactly which ink components cause which effects, this study comprehensively assesses the thermal behavior of three organic pigments and two commonly utilised binders, correlated with the impact on the mechanical recycling of LDPE-based flexible plastic packaging. In this regard, the study focuses on four pivotal factors: processability, mechanical properties, aesthetic attributes, and volatile organic compound profiles. The results indicate that nitrocellulose, used as a binder, degrades during reprocessing, resulting in film discoloration and the emission of potentially odorous compounds. Conversely, pigments are found to be dispersed within droplets of polyurethane binder in LDPE recyclates, whilst reprocessing printed samples detrimentally affects film properties, notably dart drop impact resistance, strain at break, and the number of inclusions. Additionally, it is shown that both inks comprise components that emit volatile compounds during reprocessing: non-thermally stable components, nitrocellulose and pigment yellow PY13, as well as low-molecular weight molecules from polyurethane and by-products from wax, plasticisers, and additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lisiecki
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark; Circular Plastics, Department of Circular Chemical Engineering (CCE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Tiago G A Belé
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Chair of Aroma and Smell Research, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Henkestraße 9, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Graaf Karel De Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - S Ügdüler
- Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Graaf Karel De Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - R Fiorio
- Circular Plastics, Department of Circular Chemical Engineering (CCE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - T F Astrup
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark; Ramboll, Hannemanns Allé 53, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S De Meester
- Circular Plastics, Department of Circular Chemical Engineering (CCE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Graaf Karel De Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - K Ragaert
- Circular Plastics, Department of Circular Chemical Engineering (CCE), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Phelps D, Parkinson LV, Boucher JM, Muncke J, Geueke B. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging: Migration, Toxicity, and Management Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5670-5684. [PMID: 38501683 PMCID: PMC10993423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PFASs are linked to serious health and environmental concerns. Among their widespread applications, PFASs are known to be used in food packaging and directly contribute to human exposure. However, information about PFASs in food packaging is scattered. Therefore, we systematically map the evidence on PFASs detected in migrates and extracts of food contact materials and provide an overview of available hazard and biomonitoring data. Based on the FCCmigex database, 68 PFASs have been identified in various food contact materials, including paper, plastic, and coated metal, by targeted and untargeted analyses. 87% of these PFASs belong to the perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorotelomer-based compounds. Trends in chain length demonstrate that long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids continue to be found, despite years of global efforts to reduce the use of these substances. We utilized ToxPi to illustrate that hazard data are available for only 57% of the PFASs that have been detected in food packaging. For those PFASs for which toxicity testing has been performed, many adverse outcomes have been reported. The data and knowledge gaps presented here support international proposals to restrict PFASs as a group, including their use in food contact materials, to protect human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake
W. Phelps
- Independent
Consultant, Raleigh, North Carolina 27617, United States
| | | | | | - Jane Muncke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
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Bhatia M. Integrating density functional theory and chemical ionization mass spectrometry techniques to assess benzophenone derivatives in food packaging: implications for enhancing food quality and safety. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2024; 59:e5011. [PMID: 38445810 DOI: 10.1002/jms.5011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Benzophenone and related derivatives are widely used as photoinitiators for food packaging to cure inks or lacquers with ultraviolet (UV) light on cardboard and paper. However, there are concerns about the potential health risks of their migration into food. Knowing the physical and chemical properties of benzophenone and its derivatives could play a significant role in their quantification and analysis using chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CI-MS) methods. These parameters are evaluated using B3LYP/6-311++** density functional theory (DFT) implemented on Gaussian code. Ion-molecule chemistry through the selection of reagent ions, reaction energetics and kinetics, thermodynamic stability, and reactivity of molecules deemed to foster VOC identification and quantification via CI-MS techniques. The VOCs under study are expected to undergo exothermic reactions from H3 O+ , NH4 + , NO+ , and O2 + ions, except endothermic proton transfer from NH4 + to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2,3,4-trihydroxy benzophenone. These compounds possess less proton affinities than NH3 and are least stable in their protonated forms. The DFT computed properties provide the basis for developing reliable and accurate methods to detect and measure the presence of benzophenone and its derivatives in packaging materials and food products.
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Kourkopoulos A, Sijm DTHM, Vrolijk MF. Current approaches and challenges of sample preparation procedures for the safety assessment of paper and cardboard food contact materials: A comprehensive review. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:4108-4129. [PMID: 35880303 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In the European Union (EU), Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 provides a harmonized legal EU framework and sets out the general principles for safety and inertness for all Food Contact Materials (FCMs) and Food Contact Articles. From a food safety point of view, however, specific EU legislation for paper and cardboard FCMs is lacking, while at Member State level, national legislation differs among countries. More than 11,000 chemicals have been identified in all types of FCMs, most of them without any information on toxicity or migration potential from FCM to food. The present review shows a wide variability of protocols, approaches, and conditions used in scientific studies, which are difficult to compare. In this regard, procedures and conditions laid down in EU legislation for plastics and European Standards (EN protocols) may serve as a good basis for the future sample preparation procedures in the framework of paper and cardboard FCMs safety assessment. Challenges on sample preparation procedures are presented involving the interlinked steps of sample preparation, conditions used and their impact in chemical analysis and in vitro bioassay testing. Currently, there is no general consensus on the criteria for structuring, evaluating, and tuning sample preparation procedures for paper and cardboard FCMs. For this purpose, a set of modified criteria and a decision tree are proposed based on the literature. Along this, mass transfer processes occurring in paper and cardboard FCMs and parameters affecting chemical migration need to be accounted for prior to reaching general consensus on criteria for sample preparation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Kourkopoulos
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick T H M Sijm
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Office for Risk Assessment and Research, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Misha F Vrolijk
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Characterization of Polyester Coatings Intended for Food Contact by Different Analytical Techniques and Migration Testing by LC-MS n. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030487. [PMID: 35160476 PMCID: PMC8839341 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymeric coating formulations may contain different components such as cross-linking agents, resins, lubricants, and solvents, among others. If the reaction process or curing conditions are not applied in a proper way, these components may remain unreacted in the polymeric network and could be released and migrate into foods. In this study, several polyester coatings intended for food contact were investigated. Firstly, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) spectrometer and confocal Raman microscopy were used to identify the type of coating. Then, different techniques, including gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), among others, were used to investigate the potential volatile and non-volatile migrants. Moreover, migration assays were carried out to evaluate the presence of monomers and to tentatively identify possible oligomers below 1000 Da. The analyses were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-MSn). Using the information collected from each analytical technique, it was possible to elucidate some of the starting substances used in the formulation of the polyester coatings analyzed in this study. In migration tests, several polyester oligomers were tentatively identified for which there is not toxicological data available and, therefore, no migration limits established to date.
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Galbiati E, Jacxsens L, De Meulenaer B. Hazard prioritisation of substances in printing inks and adhesives applied to plastic food packaging. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2021; 38:1608-1626. [PMID: 34372753 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1954701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Thousands of intentionally added substances can be used in printing inks and adhesives applied to plastic food packaging. Some of them can be transferred to foodstuffs through a phenomenon called migration, arising concerns on the potential adverse health effects derived from the exposure to chemicals that have not yet been assessed for their risks to humans. The large number of the substances concerned and the lack of prioritisation strategies hamper the work of control authorities, since it is not clear which substances should be monitored as first priority. In this study, a hazard prioritisation strategy is proposed. An inventory listing more than 6,000 substances used in inks and adhesives applied to plastic food packaging was compiled and filtered using several exclusion criteria aimed to set apart those substances for which there is no apparent need for further evaluation or because fall into one of the exclusion categories of the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. Additionally, substances with a molecular weight >1,000 Da were removed. Approximately 2,300 substances were retained, for which a comprehensive hazard profiling was conducted based on the general scheme for the application of the TTC approach. First, structural alerts for genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenicity were investigated. If a substance was neither genotoxic nor belonging to the chemical classes of organophosphates and carbamates, the Cramer classification was used. Furthermore, the substances were searched for their presence in three so-called 'Substances of Concern' lists and RASFF notifications. Groups of high, medium and low priority substances were established, resulting in 1,660 substances classified as high and medium priority. A panel of five experts evaluated these substances with respect to their relevance for further risk evaluations. By applying this hazard prioritisation strategy, 696 substances were identified as 'Very High Priority Substances' (VHPS) for which further assessments should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Galbiati
- NutriFOODchem Research Group, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- NutriFOODchem Research Group, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno De Meulenaer
- NutriFOODchem Research Group, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Kato LS, Conte-Junior CA. Safety of Plastic Food Packaging: The Challenges about Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) Discovery, Identification and Risk Assessment. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2077. [PMID: 34202594 PMCID: PMC8271870 DOI: 10.3390/polym13132077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several food contact materials (FCMs) contain non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), and most of the substances that migrate from plastic food packaging are unknown. This review aimed to situate the main challenges involving unknown NIAS in plastic food packaging in terms of identification, migration tests, prediction, sample preparation, determination methods and risk assessment trials. Most studies have identified NIAS in plastic materials as polyurethane adhesives (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester coatings, polypropylene materials (PP), multilayers materials, plastic films, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), recycled materials, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Degradation products are almost the primary source of NIAS in plastic FCMs, most from antioxidants as Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168, following by oligomers and side reaction products. The NIAS assessment in plastics FCMs is usually made by migration tests under worst-case conditions using food simulants. For predicted NIAS, targeted analytical methods are applied using GC-MS based methods for volatile NIAS and GC-MS and LC-MS based methods for semi- and non-volatile NIAS; non-targeted methods to analyze unknown NIAS in plastic FCMs are applied using GC and LC techniques combined with QTOF mass spectrometry (HRMS). In terms of NIAS risk assessment and prioritization, the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept is the most applied tool for risk assessment. Bioassays with sensitive analytical techniques seem to be an efficient method to identify NIAS and their hazard to human exposure; the combination of genotoxicity testing with analytical chemistry could allow the Cramer class III TTC application to prioritize unknown NIAS. The scientific justification for implementing a molecular weight-based cut-off (<1000 Da) in the risk assessment of FCMs should be reevaluated. Although official guides and opinions are being issued on the subject, the whole chain's alignment is needed, and more specific legislation on the steps to follow to get along with NIAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Seiko Kato
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Conte-Junior
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói 24220-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
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Rusko J, Perkons I, Rasinger JD, Bartkevics V. Non-target and suspected-target screening for potentially hazardous chemicals in food contact materials: investigation of paper straws. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2020; 37:649-664. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2020.1711969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janis Rusko
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ingus Perkons
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Josef D. Rasinger
- Department of Feed Safety, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway
| | - Vadims Bartkevics
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
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Lestido Cardama A, Sendón R, Bustos J, Santillana MI, Paseiro Losada P, Rodríguez Bernaldo de Quirós A. GC-MS Screening for the Identification of Potential Migrants Present in Polymeric Coatings of Food Cans. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11122086. [PMID: 31847163 PMCID: PMC6960813 DOI: 10.3390/polym11122086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The coatings used in cans can release complex chemical mixtures into foodstuffs. Therefore, it is important to develop analytical methods for the identification of these potential migrant compounds in packaged food to guarantee the compliance with European food packaging legislation and ensure consumer safety. In the present work, the type of coating in a total of twelve cans collected in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) were evaluated using an ATR (attenuated total reflectance)-FTIR spectrometer. These samples were analysed after extraction with acetonitrile in order to identify potential migrants through a screening method by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of forty-seven volatile and semi-volatile compounds were identified in these samples, including plasticizers, photoinitiators, antioxidants, lubricants, etc. Then, in a second step, a targeted analysis was carried out for the simultaneous determination of 13 compounds, including bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPG) and BADGEs (BADGE, BADGE.H2O, BADGE.2H2O, BADGE.HCl, BADGE.2HCl, BADGE.H2O.HCl, cyclo-di-BADGE) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) source. Among all the bisphenols analysed, only the bisphenol A was detected in four samples; while cyclo-di-BADGE was the predominant compound detected in all the samples analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antía Lestido Cardama
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.L.C.); (R.S.); (P.P.L.)
| | - Raquel Sendón
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.L.C.); (R.S.); (P.P.L.)
| | - Juana Bustos
- National Food Center, Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition, E-28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (J.B.); (M.I.S.)
| | - M. Isabel Santillana
- National Food Center, Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition, E-28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (J.B.); (M.I.S.)
| | - Perfecto Paseiro Losada
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.L.C.); (R.S.); (P.P.L.)
| | - Ana Rodríguez Bernaldo de Quirós
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.L.C.); (R.S.); (P.P.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-881814965
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