Interactions of amphiphiles with plasticisers used in polymers: Understanding the basis of health and environmental challenges

Abstract

Plasticisers are widely used to provide desirable mechanical properties of many polymeric materials. These small molecule additives are also known to leach from the finished products, and this not only may modify the physical properties but the distribution of these materials in the environment and in the human body can cause long-term health concerns and environmental challenges. Many of these plasticisers are esters of polyvalent acids and phthalic acid has previously been predominant but various alternatives are now being more widely explored. The eventual distribution of these compounds depends not just on solubility in aqueous media and on vapour pressure but also on their interaction with other materials, particularly lipids and amphiphiles. This review provides an overview of both the basic physical data (solubility, partition coefficients, surface tension, vapour pressure) that is available in the literature and summarises what has been learnt about the molecular interactions of various plasticisers with surfactants and lipids.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibers by Lithium Iodide Addition

“…Residual LiI in the fiber can cause certain disadvantages for the industrial use of PVA fibers. The runoff of high concentrations of I, Br, and other halogens into the environment can harm ecosystems and nature. , Additionally, several studies have been conducted on the risks of plasticizers in polymer products. − This means that care should be taken regarding additives and plasticizers in polymer products. Therefore, we investigated the residual Li concentration.…”

Understanding interactions of plasticisers with a phospholipid monolayer

“…9,12 While a study by Bider et al 13 using X-ray diffraction showed that DEHP integrates into palmitoyloleylphosphocholine (POPC) bilayers in a lamellar phase and increases the area per lipid, there are few studies on plasticisers with membrane lipids at the molecular level. A more complete overview of the interactions of plasticisers with amphiphiles can be found in Gustafsson et al 14…”

“…9,12 While a study by Bider et al 13 using X-ray diffraction showed that DEHP integrates into palmitoyloleylphosphocholine (POPC) bilayers in a lamellar phase and increases the area per lipid, there are few studies on plasticisers with membrane lipids at the molecular level. A more complete overview of the interactions of plasticisers with amphiphiles can be found in Gustafsson et al 14 Monolayers of DMPC (dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine) are well studied, with regards to characteristics and phase transitions. It is a convenient, simple model for phospholipids in membranes although much functionality arises with the complex mixtures of many components that are found in living systems.…”