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Monothioglycerol, also known as 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol or MTG, is a colorless syrup-like viscous liquid. This is a thiolipid, which is a lipid class that contains sulfur. Monothioglycerol is classified into the following types:
Pure monothioglycerol
This is a synthesized chemical compound that is produced in a lab. It is often sourced for academic research purposes. This type is not commonly found in the market as a standalone product but is used in the synthesis of other compounds.
Cosmetic-grade monothioglycerol
Monothioglycerol cosmetic-grade is purified to remove impurities that can be harmful or less useful in beauty products. This is a common compound in skincare products because of its skin-repairing properties.
Pharmaceutical monothioglycerol
In the pharmaceutical industry, monothioglycerol is used in medical and research laboratories. Therefore, pharmaceutical-grade is purified and packaged for the medical field. It may contain information on medical dosage or concentration.
Industrial monothioglycerol
Because this compound has antioxidant properties, it is useful in protecting metals from tarnish or corrosion. Monothioglycerol is often combined with other chemicals. Thus, industrial-grade versions are often packaged and sold with other industrial chemicals.
Food-grade monothioglycerol
In food manufacturing, MTG helps improve the shelf life of products. However, this compound is not commonly found in food. It is often used as a purifying agent in food processing equipment.
Monothioglycerol is abbreviated as MTG. It has a wide range of application across several industries because of its reducing and antioxidant properties.
Dermatology applications
MTG is used in dermatology to improve the healing process of the skin. It is mainly used in transcutaneous absorption enhancement of active ingredients. Therefore, it is common in formulations aimed at treating skin conditions. These formulations include psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. The antioxidant properties also help in skin repair and regeneration.
Pharmaceutical applications
In the pharmaceutical field, MTG is used for drug delivery and development. It is mainly included as a reducing agent to help prepare and stabilize thiolated drugs. Monothioglycerol is also useful for protecting sensitive drug molecules. These drugs may be proteins or peptides that are sensitive to oxidative degradation.
Cosmetics and skincare
MTG is common in cosmetic products and skincare formulations. Manufacturers combine it with other ingredients to create effective anti-aging solutions. This is due to its reducing ability, which helps break down disulfide bonds in proteins. Therefore, it enhances the bioactivity of peptides and proteins in topical applications.
Industrial applications
Monothioglycerol is used in several industries as an inhibitor of metal tarnishing and corrosion. It is added to formulations like lubricants and cutting fluids in the metalworking industry. Monothioglycerol prevents oxidation and protects metal surfaces during machining processes. In addition, it is also used in analytical chemistry to determine metal ions and as an antistatic agent in plastics manufacturing.
Food industry applications
In food processing, MTG is useful as a reducing agent. It helps improve the effectiveness and stability of certain food antioxidants and emulsifiers. Moreover, it can also be found in small quantities in certain foods. For example, it can be a byproduct in the breakdown of fats and oils. The additive’s primary purpose in the food industry is to improve the shelf life and safety of food products.
Monothioglycerol has a wide variety of uses across different industries due to its properties and benefits.
Biomedical benefits
Monothioglycerol helps ease inflammation and promote healing in dermatology. It is mainly combined with other active ingredients to enhance skin repair. MTG is also a drug delivery enhancer in the pharmaceutical field. It helps with the transdermal absorption of drugs for better efficacy.
Antioxidant protection
Monothioglycerol has strong antioxidant properties that help to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. MTG protects sensitive pharmaceutical compounds and cosmetic ingredients during storage and use. This, in turn, helps prolong the shelf life and effectiveness of skincare products.
Industrial advantages
MTG helps protect metal surfaces from tarnishing and corrosion in industrial applications. This is particularly useful in metalworking, where MTG is combined with other lubricants to improve the longevity of metal tools and parts. Monothioglycerol is also useful in analytical chemistry for the determination of metal ions.
Skin penetration enhancer
The main benefit of monothioglycerol in skincare and drug delivery applications is its ability to enhance skin penetration. The compound temporarily alters the lipid bilayer of skin cells. This allows for deeper and more effective absorption of active ingredients. Besides, it is known to possess antioxidant properties. Thus, it helps in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. This can prevent skin damage and signs of aging.
Biocompatibility and safety
MTG has low toxicity and is generally well-tolerated, making it suitable for various products, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. Also, it is effective at low concentrations. Therefore, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired antioxidant effect. This gives it a longer product shelf life.
Monothioglycerol has some precautions and side effects that users and workers must take for safety and effectiveness, especially when handling and using this chemical compound.
Skin and eye contact
MTG can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It is, therefore, necessary to wear appropriate protective clothing. These include gloves, goggles, and face shields. This chemical has strong reducing properties. Hence, it can damage tissues and cause burns if left in contact with skin for too long.
Respiratory protection
Inhalation of monothioglycerol vapors can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing or difficulty breathing. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure proper ventilation in the workspace. Also, respiratory protection, such as masks or respirators, should be used in areas with poor ventilation.
Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of MTG might lead to gastrointestinal irritation or toxicity, depending on the dosage. Some of the symptoms associated with this are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingestion of monothioglycerol is highly discouraged since little information is available about its potential effects when swallowed.
Reactivity and incompatibility
Monothioglycerol is reactive with certain chemicals. This means it should not be mixed or used in conjunction with incompatible substances. For example, strong oxidizers can lead to violent reactions. Other thiol compounds may combine with MTG to form disulfide bonds. This might reduce the effectiveness of one or both compounds in skincare or pharmaceutical products.
Storage precautions
Monothioglycerol should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In the storage area, do not keep it in conditions where the temperature fluctuates by large margins or where there is high humidity. Such conditions may lead to the degradation of MTG.
The choice of suitable monothioglycerol depends on several factors, including the intended application, purity requirements, and the supplier's reputation.
Consider the grade for the intended application
Pharmaceutical-grade monothioglycerol has the highest purity and sterility standards. Hence, it is ideal for research and drug formulation. Industrial and food-grade MTG can also be less pure. However, they are still suitable for non-pharmaceutical applications, such as skincare or cosmetic formulations. Manufacturers combine them with other anti-oxidants or emulsifiers.
Assess the supplier's reputation
Consider sourcing pharmaceutical-grade MTG from reputable manufacturers or suppliers. They are likely to ensure stringent quality controls and provide certificates of analysis for batch consistency. Monothioglycerol from an unreliable source might contain impurities that can be detrimental in pharmaceutical or food applications. On the other hand, industrial-grade MTG may be obtained from manufacturers who specialize in large-scale production.
Purity and composition analysis
Check that the monothioglycerol product has been subjected to Gas chromatography or High-performance liquid chromatography tests to measure the purity percentage. The proportion of MTG to other compounds can indicate the purity. Make sure the composition corresponds to what is expected for your application. For instance, the MTG should contain 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol only. Other compounds or lower percentages of MTG will be ineffective.
Assess the packaging and storage conditions
Look for monothioglycerol products that have been packaged in suitable containers to avoid exposure to light and air. Both these elements can lead to the degradation of MTG. Besides, check whether the product has been stored under proper temperature controls. inadequate storage conditions can decrease the potency of MTG.
Investigate customer reviews and testimonials
When buying this product in bulk, customer reviews on the quality of the product and reliability of its supplier are crucial. Positive testimonials in product quality recall consistency in purity and composition. Therefore, they can serve as additional evidence for quality assurance.
Generally, MTG is not directly used in food. It is sometimes used in food processing equipment as a purifying agent for antioxidants and emulsifiers. In addition, it helps prevent oxidative damage to food ingredients and improve the effectiveness of preservatives. This extends food’s shelf life and maintains safety. However, it does not have GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. Therefore, it can only be used in limited applications in research or industrial conditions.
According to studies, monothioglycerol is safe and effective for topical applications. In fact, it is useful for enhancing the transdermal delivery of drugs and active ingredients in cosmetics. Besides, it has anti-aging, moisturizing, and skin-repair properties. However, low-quality or impure MTG can cause skin irritation. To avoid this, check whether the product has undergone thorough purity tests before purchasing and using it.
Similar to food and cosmetic-grade monothioglycerol, industrial-grade MTG should also be tested for purity. MTG from reputable suppliers contains fewer impurities. This makes it more effective in industrial applications like analytical chemistry, where reduced compounds can be easily contaminated. Moreover, impurities in monothioglycerol may cause it to oxidize or reduce so slowly. This, in turn, affects the reaction rates and processes in metal ion analysis.
Store monothioglycerol in a cool, dry environment to prevent exposure to direct sunlight. Always keep it sealed in its original container or a suitable airtight vessel to prevent contamination. During storage, do not expose MTG to high temperatures or conditions with humidity. Either of these conditions can cause it to degrade. Ensure proper labeling of containers to avoid mix-ups, especially in industrial settings with many chemicals.
