An iodophor is a preparation containing

iodine Iodine is a chemical element; it has symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists at standard conditions as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid that melts to form a deep violet liquid at , and boils to a vi ...

complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a

surfactant Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. The word ''surfactant'' is a Blend word, blend of "surface-active agent", coined in ...

or water-soluble polymers such as povidone (forming povidone-iodine), The result is a water-soluble material that releases free iodine when in solution. Iodophors are prepared by mixing iodine with the solubilizing agent; heat can be used to speed up the reaction. Besides povidone,

polyvinyl alcohol Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) is a water- soluble synthetic polymer. It has the idealized formula H2CH(OH)sub>''n''. It is used in papermaking, textile warp sizing, as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer in polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) a ...

starch Starch or amylum is a polymeric carbohydrate consisting of numerous glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by most green plants for energy storage. Worldwide, it is the most common carbohydrate in human diet ...

derivatives (e.g.

dextrin Dextrins are a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen. Dextrins are mixtures of polymers of D-glucose units linked by α-(1→4) or α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds. Dextrins can be produced fro ...

forming cadexomer iodine),

chitosan Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and ''N''-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crusta ...

and

cellulose Cellulose is an organic compound with the chemical formula, formula , a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of glycosidic bond, β(1→4) linked glucose, D-glucose units. Cellulose is an important s ...

have also been used as solubilizing agents.

Commercial use

Diluted iodophor is often used by brewers and winemakers to sanitize equipment and bottles. Its major advantage over other sanitizers is that when used in proper proportions, it does not require rinsing. However, it can leave unattractive orange-brown stains on plastic parts and equipment if left in contact with them. It is often supplied in different concentrations and is further diluted with water before use. The label will advise the appropriate dilution ratio, commonly 1:1000 or 1:100. Equipment to be sanitized should be thoroughly clean and left in contact with the solution for at least 2 minutes. Diluted iodophor is used extensively in the dairy industry for disinfecting milking parlors, particularly in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

. Continued use of this disinfectant has helped maintain the high iodide content in UK cow's milk, which was historically important in the elimination of goiter in the UK.

Application guidelines

Iodophors are most effective in an acidic medium (pH 2 to pH 5) but are effective up to pH 7. It is gradually inactivated by proteins if the pH rises above 4 and is inactivated if the temperature rises above 50°C, as the iodine is driven off as a gas. The optimum concentration is >200 mg/L free iodine with a contact time of 2 minutes and 100 mg/L free iodine for cleaned and dried equipment. In a nonfood-contact application the concentration may rise to 500 – 800 mg/L.

Human toxicity

"Based on a review of the available toxicology data, the S EPAhas concluded that iodine and iodophor complexes are of very low toxicity by the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure."

References

External links

Virus Disinfection
Disinfectants Iodine compounds Homebrewing {{treatment-stub

Commercial use

Application guidelines

Human toxicity

See also

References

External links