Iodine 1% in Industrial methylated spirit 70% solution

Objectives: Potassium iodide (KI) is a treatment to neutralize radioactive agents that could be inhaled or ingested in nuclear incidents. The inorganic salt KI constitutes a source of iodine, which in the body acts by accumulating in the thyroid gland, producing its saturation, and thus preventing the fixation of radioactive iodine species. In Spain, the Military Defence Pharmacy Centre (CEMILFARDEF) was challenged to develop this antidote to be distributed among the population surrounding nuclear power plants, in only one new solid pharmaceutical form for oral administration, in order to replace the two pharmaceutical forms available, which are capsules for adults and oral solution for children, considered less versatile. Methods: A selection of excipients was carried out to achieve pharmacotechnical behaviour suitable for the industrial manufacture of potassium iodide in tablets, complying with the pre-established process and finished product quality parameters. The development allowed the preparation of three industrial-sized batches on which the stability of the developed formulation was studied. Results: An uncoated 65 mg double-scored potassium iodide tablet was developed using easily accessible excipients in the formulation and direct compression as the manufacturing method. The formula complied with the stability tests, with which the development carried out can respond to the eventual demand that its elaboration would entail in the event of nuclear incidents. Conclusions: The developed formulation of a 65 mg double-scored potassium iodide tablet allows the great variability of user needs, from infants to adults with a single pharmaceutical form, which additionally implies logistical benefits in distribution, stock control and appropriate renewal according expiration dates, among the population surrounding nuclear power plants and available to deployed military personnel, in the event of potential nuclear incidents.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Lithium iodide is commonly used in the production of batteries and drugs. Currently, the neutralization method is the primary means of producing lithium iodide. This method involves using hydriodic acid as a raw material, adding lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, and obtaining lithium iodide through evaporation and concentration. However, hydriodic acid is chemically unstable. Its preparation can lead to explosive accidents and encountering high temperatures generates toxic iodine vapors. These limitations restrict its industrial production. The study evaluates the impact of membrane stack configuration, operating voltage, and initial concentrations and volume ratios of reactants on the production process. Electrodialysis metathesis, characterized by a simpler process flow, lower energy consumption, and environmental benefits, emerges as an effective technique for electrically driven membrane separation in lithium salt production and purification. Under the specific conditions of a C-C-A-C-A-C membrane stack configuration, operating voltage at 25 V, initial potassium iodide concentration at 0.4 mol/L, initial lithium sulfate concentration at 0.2 mol/L, and a 1:1 volume ratio of product liquid to raw material liquid, the method achieves a lithium iodide purity of 98.9% with a production cost of approximately 0.502 $/kg LiI.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Introduction.The growth of antibiotic resistance poses a threat to the global health system and is increasing interest in antimicrobial potentiators. Iodine-based compounds are characterized by low resistance to bacteria and a broad spectrum of action. For their use at the industrial level, it is important to scale up the technology and obtain a stable quality product. Research objective. To conduct the process of scaling up an iodine-based antimicrobial pharmaceutical substance in pilot production conditions, optimize technological parameters and evaluate the quality and stability characteristics of the finished product. Research materials and methods. The study was conducted in the pilot production and laboratories of the JSC « Scientific Center for Anti-Infective Drugs». A substance containing iodine, potassium iodide, starch, polyvinyl alcohol and neutral salts was prepared. Physicochemical analyses (pH, density, quantitative composition), microbiological purity and 12-month stability tests were conducted. Three production batches were prepared and the data were processed. Results. The quality of the finished product met all regulatory requirements: iodine content 8.33–8.39 mg/ml, potassium iodide – 11.73-11.83 mg/ml, pH – 4.24-4.27, density – 1.062-1.063. Microbiological purity indicators fully comply with the requirements. During the study, important technological parameters were analyzed at the main stages of production (raw material measurement, mixing, hydrolysis, obtaining the finished product, quality control, packaging and labeling). Conclusion. The results obtained during the scaling-up of an iodine-based antimicrobial substance are an important scientific and technological base that will allow this substance to be introduced into industrial production. The scaled-up technology allows for the production of high-quality, stable and safe products. As a result of scaling up from the laboratory level to the pilot production site, the critical parameters for the production of an iodine-based antimicrobial potentiator were identified and the technological conditions were optimized. The results obtained will serve as the basis for introducing the pharmaceutical substance into industrial production and will contribute to meeting its growing demand.

Abstract licence: CC BY

A great fraction of global iodine production involves the solvent extraction (SX) of iodine from mother liquors. Therefore, a green analytical method for the direct determination of molecular iodine in kerosene was developed and validated using UV–Vis molecular absorption spectrophotometry. Resublimed iodine (≥99.8%) was employed as the analyte, and industrial kerosene (Escaid™ 110) as the solvent. The method was optimized to account for the high reactivity and volatility of iodine, with careful handling, refrigeration, and ultrasonic-assisted dissolution to ensure accurate standard preparation. Validation was performed in accordance with Inmetro, ANVISA, and ASTM E2857 guidelines, assessing selectivity, linearity, working range, detection and quantification limits, recovery, and precision. A wavelength of 521 nm was selected based on the absorption spectrum, and linearity was demonstrated across 0.005–0.55 g·L⁻¹ with R² = 0.998. Recovery values ranged from 97% to 103%, and relative standard deviations were below 5%, confirming both accuracy and precision. The method exhibited negligible interference from potassium iodide, a potential contaminant in industrial processes, such as solvent extraction. Overall, the proposed approach is rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, providing a reliable tool for monitoring iodine in kerosene during SX processes and supporting process optimization at an industrial scale.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC