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Xu Q, Chow PS, Xi E, Marsh R, Gupta S, Gupta KM. Evaluation of polymer-preservative interactions for preservation efficacy: molecular dynamics simulation and QSAR approaches. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39189358 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02162b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Preservatives are critical ingredients in various pharmaceutical and consumer products. In particular, a high efficacy preservative system is essential in enhancing the shelf-life and safety of these products. However, the development of such a preservative system heavily relies on experimental approaches. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was complemented with quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling to comprehensively evaluate polymer-preservative interactions between three different polymers (polyethylene terephthalate, PET; polypropylene, PP; and cellulose) and a series of preservatives from the classes of aliphatic, aromatic, and organic acids. First, adsorption of preservatives onto polymer surfaces was simulated in an aqueous environment. The preservatives did not adhere to hydrophilic cellulose, but most preservatives were adsorbed by PET and PP in distinct configurations. Interaction energies (IEs) between the preservatives and the polymers generally increase from cellulose to PP and PET. The diffusion coefficients of preservatives are dependent on polymer nature, preservative structure, and their resulting molecular interactions. Linear and low molecular weight preservatives exhibit higher diffusion coefficients in polymers. For a particular preservative, diffusion coefficients increased in the order of cellulose < PET < PP. Finally, using MD properties and molecular descriptors of preservatives, QSAR models were developed to identify key descriptors of preservatives and predict their IEs and diffusion coefficients in polymers. This study demonstrates a computational approach for identifying critical materials properties, and predicting polymer-preservative molecular interactions in water. Such an approach streamlines the rational selection and design of high efficacy preservative systems for various pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products. Furthermore, the integrated computational strategy also reduces trial-and-error experimental efforts, thereby accelerating the development of high efficacy preservative systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisong Xu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Pui Shan Chow
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Erte Xi
- Proctor & Gamble, Winton Hill Business Center, 6280 Center Hill Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224, USA
| | - Randy Marsh
- Proctor & Gamble, Winton Hill Business Center, 6280 Center Hill Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224, USA
| | - Shikar Gupta
- Procter & Gamble International Operations SA SG Branch, Singapore 138547, Singapore
| | - Krishna M Gupta
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
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Metcalf R, Fellows R, White HL, Quilliam RS. Persistence of 'wet wipes' in beach sand: An unrecognised reservoir for localised E. coli contamination. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116175. [PMID: 38422824 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116175] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The flushing of wet wipes down toilets leads to blockages of sewerage systems. This, together with unregulated sewage discharge, often results in increasing numbers of wet wipes washing up onto beaches. However, it is unclear how long wet wipes can persist on the beach and whether they pose a prolonged public health risk if contaminated by E. coli. In this mesocosm study, three types of wet wipes (plastic containing, and home and commercially compostable) colonised with E. coli were buried in beach sand and their degradation, tensile strength, and concentration of E. coli was quantified over 15 weeks. Wet wipes containing plastic remained largely intact for 15 weeks, whilst both compostable wet wipes fragmented and degraded. Importantly, E. coli persisted on all three wet wipe types, representing localised reservoirs of E. coli in the sand, which could present a human health risk at the beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Metcalf
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Rosie Fellows
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Hannah L White
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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Rahma A, Lane ME. Skin Barrier Function in Infants: Update and Outlook. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:433. [PMID: 35214165 PMCID: PMC8880311 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A good understanding of infant skin should provide a rationale for optimum management of the health of this integument. In this review, we discuss the skin barrier function of infants, particularly with reference to the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin barrier of newborns continues to develop with age. Two years after birth, the barrier properties of infant skin closely resemble those of adult skin. However, several risk factors may contribute to impaired skin barrier and altered skin permeability in infants. Problems may arise from the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin covered by a diaper is effectively an occluded environment, and thus is vulnerable to over-hydration. To date there has been no published information regarding dermal absorption of ingredients contained in baby wipes. Similarly, dermal absorption of topical ingredients in infants with underlying skin conditions has not been widely explored. Clearly, there are serious ethical concerns related to conducting skin permeation studies on infant skin. However, the increasing availability of non-invasive methods for in vivo studies is encouraging and offers new directions for studying this important patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annisa Rahma
- Pharmaceutics Department, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK;
| | - Majella E. Lane
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK;
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