Ester Rosin as the New Solution for Pharmaceutical Metal Waste and Potential Drug Delivery System
Ester rosin, one of the growing commodities of the pine chemical industry, is projected to reach USD 1035 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period of 2023-2028 as reported by Valuates Report. Increasing demand for bio-based materials is one of the triggers for ester rosin’s market growth. Adding to its numerous applications, another capability of ester rosin as bio-based material has been discovered. A team from Tennessee Technological University developed a way to functionalize rosin esters as biodegradable ligands for the removal of heavy metals from the environment, and as potential prodrug delivery systems.
Industrial waste has been an ongoing issue that also stems from the manufacturing process of the pharmaceutical industry. Major concerns that have arisen are pertaining to their toxic vapors, wastes, byproducts, and water contamination by metals (mercury and lead). With unknown toxicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity profile associated with the lack of monitoring and control measures, metal waste enforces a hazard risk. Various methods have been researched and developed to handle metal waste, but the recent one done by the Tennessee Technological University team offers superior traits; renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally conscious.
Ester rosin, a chemical derivative from pine trees, is the material chosen for the biodegradable ligand for metal removal. Rosin is comprised of abietic acid which contains a carboxylic acid functional group that can undergo esterification with hydroxy-comprised compounds (imidazole-thiones or hydroxyl groups), which leads to the synthesis of biodegradable rosin-based ligands. Esters produced from the esterification process can form metallic complexes with heavy metals.
Another correlating issue with how ester rosin can be utilized in the pharmaceutical industry is for controlled release in APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) to promote long-term stability. The Tennessee Technological University developed an esterification synthesis of APIs (acetaminophen) with abietic acid from ester rosin. The produced esters improve water solubility and the overall release of the drug through prodrug strategy. Prodrug strategy permits the physicochemical and pharmacological properties optimization to rectify drugs’ solubility and pharmacokinetic features.
Currently working to optimize the production process of rosin-based ligands, the Tennessee Technological University team’s research would eventually be another propeller to set the increment of the ester rosin market growth in motion. As a trusted supplier of rosin-derivative material supplier, Tradeasia International provides our customers with a broad range of raw materials. Not only for the pine chemical industry, Tradeasia International also offers various products fit for the paint and coating industry, food chemical industry, and many more.
Striving to deliver a seamless supply chain experience, Tradeasia International also presented optimized logistic services, especially ocean freight for containerized shipments supported by Sree Logistics.
References:
Hannah Sudekum and O. Andreea Cojocaru. (2022, October 17). Of Rosin materials towards pharmaceutical and environmental purposes. Retrieved from https://publish.tntech.edu/index.php/PSRCI/article/view/1019
Valuates Reports. (2022, October 17). Global Rosin Ester Market Size, Manufacturers, Supply Chain, Sales Channel and Clients, 2022-2028. Retrieved from https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-8D2615/global-rosin-ester
Thomas Rades et al., (2022, October 17). Influence of resin tapping on wood characteristics and properties. Retrieved from https://repository.incredibleforest.net/oppla-factsheet/20255
Alejandro Cunningham. (2022, October 12). Pine resin tapping techniques used around the world. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/32774574/Pine_resin_tapping_techniques_used_around_the_world