Relationship between Composition and Environmental Degradation of Poly(isosorbide-co-diol oxalate) (PISOX) Copolyesters.

To reduce the global CO2 footprint of plastics, bio- and CO2-based feedstock are considered the most important design features for plastics. Oxalic acid from CO2 and isosorbide from biomass are interesting rigid building blocks for high Tg polyesters. The biodegradability of a family of novel fully renewable (bio- and CO2-based) poly(isosorbide-co-diol) oxalate (PISOX-diol) copolyesters was studied. We systematically investigated the effects of the composition on biodegradation at ambient temperature in soil for PISOX (co)polyesters. Results show that the lag phase of PISOX (co)polyester biodegradation varies from 0 to 7 weeks. All (co)polyesters undergo over 80% mineralization within 180 days (faster than the cellulose reference) except one composition with the cyclic codiol 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). Their relatively fast degradability is independent of the type of noncyclic codiol and results from facile nonenzymatic hydrolysis of oxalate ester bonds (especially oxalate isosorbide bonds), which mostly hydrolyzed completely within 180 days. On the other hand, partially replacing oxalate with terephthalate units enhances the polymer's resistance to hydrolysis and its biodegradability in soil. Our study demonstrates the potential for tuning PISOX copolyester structures to design biodegradable plastics with improved thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties.

Isosorbide, a versatile green chemical: Elucidating its ADME properties for safe use.

Isosorbide, an environmentally friendly and renewable substance, finds extensive application in diverse fields, such as a bisphenol A substitute, polymers, functional materials, organic solvents, fuels, and pharmaceuticals. Despite its increasing interest and widespread usage, there remains a notable absence of available reports regarding its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. This study endeavors to investigate the ADME characteristics of isosorbide in rats. Isosorbide levels in biological samples were quantified based on the analytical method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Following administration, isosorbide exhibited rapid absorption and elimination, with a bioavailability of 96.1%. The metabolic stability assay indicated that isosorbide remained stable during metabolism. The majority of absorbed isosorbide was promptly excreted, with urinary excretion as the primary route. This study furnishes valuable insights into the ADME of isosorbide, contributing to its safety assessment and fostering its continued application across various domains.

Nature-Derived Epoxy Resin Monomers with Reduced Sensitizing Capacity─Isosorbide-Based Bis-Epoxides.

Epoxy resin systems (ERSs) are a class of thermosetting resins that become thermostable and insoluble polymers upon curing. They are widely used as components of protective surfaces, adhesives, and paints and in the manufacturing of composites in the plastics industry. The diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) is used in 75-90% of ERSs and is thus by far the most used epoxy resin monomer (ERM). Unfortunately, DGEBA is a strong skin sensitizer and it is one of the most common causes of occupational contact dermatitis. Furthermore, DGEBA is synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA), which is a petroleum-derived chemical with endocrine-disruptive properties. In this work, we have used isosorbide, a renewable and nontoxic sugar-based material, as an alternative to BPA in the design of ERMs. Three different bis-epoxide isosorbide derivatives were synthesized: the diglycidyl ether of isosorbide (1) and two novel isosorbide-based bis-epoxides containing either a benzoic ester (2) or a benzyl ether linkage (3). Assessment of the in vivo sensitizing potency of the isosorbide bis-epoxides in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) showed that all three compounds were significantly less sensitizing than DGEBA, especially 2 which was nonsensitizing up to 25% w/v. The peptide reactivity showed the same order of reactivity as the LLNA, i.e., 2 being the least reactive, followed by 3 and then 1, which displayed similar peptide reactivity as DGEBA. Skin permeation of 2 and 3 was compared to DGEBA using ex vivo pig skin and static Franz cells. The preliminary investigations of the technical properties of the polymers formed from 1-3 were promising. Although further investigations of the technical properties are needed, all isosorbide bis-epoxides have the potential to be less sensitizing renewable replacements of DGEBA, especially 2 that had the lowest sensitizing potency in vivo as well as the lowest peptide reactivity.

Profiling polysorbate 80 components using comprehensive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

RATIONALE: Polysorbate 80 (PS80) is an amphipathic, nonionic surfactant commonly used in pharmaceutical protein formulations and is composed of fatty acid (FA) esters of polyethoxylated sorbitan. However, commercial PS80 products contain substantial amounts of by-products. The development of simple and reliable methods for PS80 component analysis is challenging given the inherent heterogeneity. METHOD: We developed a comprehensive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to profile the components of PS80. Semi-comprehensive LC-MS/MS analyses of 11 subspecies in three commercial PS80 products were performed to estimate the average degree of polymerization of the ethylene oxide units (Avg-n) in the molecules. Furthermore, three subspecies (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene isosorbide monoester, and polyoxyethylene monoester) were analyzed to estimate the composition ratios of the seven ester-bonded FAs present in PS80. RESULTS: The Avg-n values of five polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (none, mono, di, tri, and tetra), three polyoxyethylene isosorbide esters (none, mono, and di), and three polyoxyethylene esters (none, mono, and di) were 26.5-30.6, 12.1-14.6, and 11.4-15.8, respectively. These values were comparable regardless of the number of ester-bonded FAs. Each product had a similar FA composition ratio regardless of the differences in the subspecies. However, the obtained C18:2 values were higher than those reported in the product certificates. CONCLUSION: The proposed LC-MS/MS method evaluated the overall PS80 components, revealing the possibility of underestimation of ester-bonded linoleic acid using the conventional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. The similarity of Avg-n values and FA compositions among subspecies suggested the high reliability of these results, indicating that the presented approach may help in the quality control of PS80 formulations.

The role of serum osmolality in Meniere's disease with acute sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the role of serum osmolality in Meniere's disease (MD) patients with acute sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). DESIGN: Retrospective study. STUDY SAMPLES: Twenty definite MD patients with acute unilateral SNHL were treated with an osmotic diuretic (Isosorbide, 100 mL daily) and assigned to Group A. Another 20 age- and sex-matched definite MD patients with acute SNHL were not given Isosorbide and assigned to Group B. Both groups underwent audiometry and blood examination for serum osmolality before and after treatment. RESULTS: Group A revealed a significant increase in serum osmolality after treatment. The optimal cut-off values for increased serum osmolality in Group A were +1.5 mOSM/L for predicting hearing improvement at frequencies of 250-1000 Hz, and +2.5 mOSM/L at 2000-4000 Hz. Comparing increased levels of serum osmolality (> +2.0 vs. ≤ +2.0 mOSM/L), Isosorbide dosing at 3.0 L vs. 1.0 L, significantly differed in the odds ratio (OR). Isosorbide at a total dosage of 3.0 L thus improves the hearing threshold by >10 dB at frequencies of 250-2000 Hz. CONCLUSION: The Isosorbide at a total dosage of 3.0 L may increase serum osmolality by > +2.0 mOSM/L, and improve the hearing threshold for hydropic ears at least >10 dB at low- and mid-frequencies.

Biomass-derived isosorbide-based thermoresponsive hydrogel for drug delivery.

Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of a new variety of bio-based hydrogel films using a Cu(I)-catalyzed photo-click reaction. These films exhibited thermal-triggered swelling-deswelling and were constructed by crosslinking a triazide derivative of glycerol ethoxylate and dialkyne structures derived from isosorbide, a well-known plant-based platform molecule. The success of the click reaction was corroborated through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the smooth surface of the obtained films was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal characterization was carried out in terms of thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), from which the decomposition onset and glass transition temperatures were determined, respectively. Additionally, mechanical properties of the samples were estimated by stress-strain experiments. Then, their swelling and deswelling properties were systematically examined in PBS buffer, revealing a thermoresponsive behavior that was successfully tested in the release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin. We also confirmed the non-cytotoxicity of these materials, which is a fundamental aspect for their potential use as drug carriers or tissue engineering matrices.

Renewable Resources for Enantiodiscrimination: Chiral Solvating Agents for NMR Spectroscopy from Isomannide and Isosorbide.

A new family of chiral selectors was synthesized in a single synthetic step with yields up to 84% starting from isomannide and isosorbide. Mono- or disubstituted carbamate derivatives were obtained by reacting the isohexides with electron-donating arylisocyanate (3,5-dimethylphenyl- or 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl-) and electron-withdrawing arylisocyanate (3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-) groups to test opposite electronic effects on enantiodifferentiation. Deeper chiral pockets and derivatives with more acidic protons were obtained by derivatization with 1-naphthylisocyanate and p-toluenesulfonylisocyanate, respectively. All compounds were tested as chiral solvating agents (CSAs) in 1H NMR experiments with rac-N-3,5-dinitrobenzoylphenylglycine methyl ester in order to determine the influence of different structural features on the enantiodiscrimination capabilities. Some selected compounds were tested with other racemic analytes, still leading to enantiodiscrimination. The enantiodiscrimination conditions were then optimized for the best CSA/analyte couple. Finally, a 2D- and 1D-NMR study was performed employing the best performing CSA with the two enantiomers of the selected analyte, aiming to determine the enantiodiscrimination mechanism, the stoichiometry of interaction, and the complexation constant.

Isosorbide Fatty Acid Diesters Have Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Cytokine-Induced Tissue Culture Models of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease in which epidermal barrier disruption triggers Th2-mediated eruption of eczematous lesions. Topical emollients are a cornerstone of chronic management. This study evaluated efficacy of two plant-derived oil derivatives, isosorbide di-(linoleate/oleate) (IDL) and isosorbide dicaprylate (IDC), using AD-like tissue culture models. Treatment of reconstituted human epidermis with cytokine cocktail (IL-4 + IL-13 + TNF-α + IL-31) compromised the epidermal barrier, but this was prevented by co-treatment with IDL and IDC. Cytokine stimulation also dysregulated expression of keratinocyte (KC) differentiation genes whereas treatment with IDC or IDL + IDC up-regulated genes associated with early (but not late) KC differentiation. Although neither IDL nor IDC inhibited Th2 cytokine responses, both compounds repressed TNF-α-induced genes and IDL + IDC led to synergistic down-regulation of inflammatory (IL1B, ITGA5) and neurogenic pruritus (TRPA1) mediators. Treatment of cytokine-stimulated skin explants with IDC decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion by more than 50% (more than observed with cyclosporine) and in vitro LDH activity was inhibited by IDL and IDC. These results demonstrate anti-inflammatory mechanisms of isosorbide fatty acid diesters in AD-like skin models. Our findings highlight the multifunctional potential of plant oil derivatives as topical ingredients and support studies of IDL and IDC as therapeutic candidates.

Ultra-Tough Elastomers from Stereochemistry-Directed Hydrogen Bonding in Isosorbide-Based Polymers.

The remarkable elasticity and tensile strength found in natural elastomers are challenging to mimic. Synthetic elastomers typically feature covalently cross-linked networks (rubbers), but this hinders their reprocessability. Physical cross-linking via hydrogen bonding or ordered crystallite domains can afford reprocessable elastomers, but often at the cost of performance. Herein, we report the synthesis of ultra-tough, reprocessable elastomers based on linear alternating polymers. The incorporation of a rigid isohexide adjacent to urethane moieties affords elastomers with exceptional strain hardening, strain rate dependent behavior, and high optical clarity. Distinct differences were observed between isomannide and isosorbide-based elastomers where the latter displays superior tensile strength and strain recovery. These phenomena are attributed to the regiochemical irregularities in the polymers arising from their distinct stereochemistry and respective inter-chain hydrogen bonding.

Poly(alkanoyl isosorbide methacrylate)s: From Amorphous to Semicrystalline and Liquid Crystalline Biobased Materials.

We have prepared a series of 12 d-isosorbide-2-alkanoate-5-methacrylate monomers as single regioisomers with different pendant linear C2-C20 alkanoyl chains using biocatalytic and chemical acylations. By conventional radical polymerization, these monomers provided high-molecular-weight biobased poly(alkanoyl isosorbide methacrylate)s (PAIMAs). Samples with C2-C12 alkanoyl chains were amorphous with glass transition temperatures from 107 to 54 °C, while C14-C20 chains provided semicrystalline materials with melting points up to 59 °C. Moreover, PAIMAs with C13-C20 chains formed liquid crystalline mesophases with transition temperatures up to 93 °C. The mesophases were studied using polarized optical microscopy, and rheology showed stepwise changes of the viscosity at the transition temperature. Unexpectedly, a PAIMA prepared from a regioisomeric monomer (C18) showed semicrystallinity but not liquid crystallinity. Consequently, the properties of the PAIMAs were readily tunable by controlling the phase structure and transitions through the alkanoyl chain length and the regiochemistry to form fully amorphous, semicrystalline, or semi/liquid crystalline materials.

Removable Biobased Waterborne Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Containing Mixtures of Isosorbide Methacrylate Monomers.

Growing environmental concerns are enforcing sustainable recycling processes for glass substrates, especially bottles, where a fast cleaning and minimization of the use of solvents is desired. In this process, labels and adhesives are mostly removed by the addition of harsh reagents, alkaline solutions, or high temperature, increasing economic costs and harming the environment. Herein, high performance and biobased waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesives with fast removability in water have been developed using small percentages of isosorbide (derived from glucose)-based methacrylate monomers. Formulations containing 2-octyl acrylate and isobornyl methacrylate and small amounts (1 wt %) of these monomers not only yield stronger adhesive fibrils, but also promote a removability in water 6× faster than that of nonisosorbide-based counterparts. This waterborne isosorbide containing PSAs represents an alternative to current PSA formulations toward more sustainable glass recycling and reusing processes.

Biosourced All-Acrylic ABA Block Copolymers with Lactic Acid-Based Soft Phase.

Lactic acid is one of the key biobased chemical building blocks, given its readily availability from sugars through fermentation and facile conversion into a range of important chemical intermediates and polymers. Herein, well-defined rubbery polymers derived from butyl lactate solvent were successfully prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of the corresponding monomeric acrylic derivative. Good control over molecular weight and molecular weight distribution was achieved in bulk using either monofunctional or bifunctional trithiocarbonate-type chain transfer agents. Subsequently, poly(butyl lactate acrylate), with a relative low Tg (-20 °C), good thermal stability (5% wt. loss at 340 °C) and low toxicity was evaluated as a sustainable middle block in all-acrylic ABA copolymers using isosorbide and vanillin-derived glassy polyacrylates as representative end blocks. Thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of copolymers containing hard segment contents of <20 wt% were evaluated to demonstrate the suitability of rubbery poly(alkyl lactate) building blocks for developing functional sustainable materials. Noteworthy, 180° peel adhesion measurements showed that the synthesized biosourced all-acrylic ABA copolymers possess competitive performance when compared with commercial pressure-sensitive tapes.

Study on the Synthetic Characteristics of Biomass-Derived Isosorbide-Based Poly(arylene ether ketone)s for Sustainable Super Engineering Plastic.

Demand for the development of novel polymers derived from biomass that can replace petroleum resources has been increasing. In this study, biomass-derived isosorbide was used as a monomer in the polymerization of poly(arylene ether ketone)s, and its synthetic characteristics were investigated. As a phase-transfer catalyst, crown ether has increased the weight-average molecular weight of polymers over 100 kg/mol by improving the reaction efficiency of isosorbide and minimizing the effect of moisture. By controlling the experimental parameters such as halogen monomer, polymerization solvent, time, and temperature, the optimal conditions were found to be fluorine-type monomer, dimethyl sulfoxide, 24 h, and 155 °C, respectively. Biomass contents from isosorbide-based polymers were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and accelerator mass spectroscopy. The synthesized polymer resulted in a high molecular weight that enabled the preparation of transparent polymer films by the solution casting method despite its weak thermal degradation stability compared to aromatic polysulfone. The melt injection molding process was enabled by the addition of plasticizer. The tensile properties were comparable or superior to those of commercial petrochemical specimens of similar molecular weight. Interestingly, the prepared specimens exhibited a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion at high temperatures over 150 °C compared to polysulfone.

Preparation and Characterization of Isosorbide-Based Self-Healable Polyurethane Elastomers with Thermally Reversible Bonds.

Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer used in a wide range of applications. Recently, imparting PU with self-healing properties has attracted much interest to improve the product durability. The self-healing mechanism conceivably occurs through the existence of dynamic reversible bonds over a specific temperature range. The present study investigates the self-healing properties of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol-based PUs prepared from a prepolymer of poly(tetra-methylene ether glycol) and 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) with different chain extenders (isosorbide or isomannide). PU with the conventional chain extender 1,4-butanediol was prepared for comparison. The urethane bonds in 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol-based PUs were thermally reversible (as confirmed by the generation of isocyanate peaks observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) at mildly elevated temperatures and the PUs showed good mechanical properties. Especially the isosorbide-based polyurethane showed potential self-healing ability under mild heat treatment, as observed in reprocessing tests. It is inferred that isosorbide, bio-based bicyclic diol, can be employed as an efficient chain extender of polyurethane prepolymers to improve self-healing properties of polyurethane elastomers via reversible features of the urethane bonds.

Ultrasound-Assisted Heterogeneous Synthesis of Bio-Based Oligo-Isosorbide Glycidyl Ethers: Towards Greener Epoxy Precursors.

The substitution of toxic precursors such as bisphenol A by renewable and safer molecules has become a major challenge. To overcome this challenge, the 12 principles of green chemistry should be taken into account in the development of future sustainable chemicals and processes. In this context, this paper reports the highly efficient synthesis of oligo-isosorbide glycidyl ethers from bio-based starting materials by a rapid one-pot heterogeneous ultrasound-assisted synthesis. It was demonstrated that the use of high-power ultrasound in solvent-free conditions with sodium hydroxide microbeads led for the first time to a fully epoxidated prepolymer with excellent epoxy equivalent weight (EEW). The structure of the epoxy precursor was characterized by FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The efficiency of the ultrasound-assisted synthesis was attributed to the physical effects caused by micro-jets on the surface of the solid sodium hydroxide microspheres following the asymmetrical collapse of cavitation bubbles.

Effects of Isosorbide Incorporation into Flexible Polyurethane Foams: Reversible Urethane Linkages and Antioxidant Activity.

Isosorbide (ISB), a nontoxic bio-based bicyclic diol composed from two fuzed furans, was incorporated into the preparation of flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) for use as a cell opener and to impart antioxidant properties to the resulting foam. A novel method for cell opening was designed based on the anticipated reversibility of the urethane linkages formed by ISB with isocyanate. FPUFs containing various amounts of ISB (up to 5 wt%) were successfully prepared without any noticeable deterioration in the appearance and physical properties of the resulting foams. The air permeability of these resulting FPUFs was increased and this could be further improved by thermal treatment at 160 °C. The urethane units based on ISB enabled cell window opening, as anticipated, through the reversible urethane linkage. The ISB-containing FPUFs also demonstrated better antioxidant activity by impeding discoloration. Thus, ISB, a nontoxic, bio-based diol, can be a valuable raw material (or additive) for eco-friendly FPUFs without seriously compromising the physical properties of these FPUFs.

Quantitative Investigation of Terbinafine Hydrochloride Absorption into a Living Skin Equivalent Model by MALDI-MSI.

The combination of microspotting of analytical and internal standards, matrix sublimation, and recently developed software for quantitative mass spectrometry imaging has been used to develop a high-resolution method for the determination of terbinafine hydrochloride in the epidermal region of a full thickness living skin equivalent model. A quantitative assessment of the effect of the addition of the penetration enhancer (dimethyl isosorbide (DMI)) to the delivery vehicle has also been performed, and data have been compared to those obtained from LC-MS/MS measurements of homogenates of isolated epidermal tissue. At 10% DMI, the levels of signal detected for the drug in the epidermis were 0.20 ± 0.072 mg/g tissue for QMSI and 0.28 ± 0.040 mg/g tissue for LC-MS/MS at 50% DMI 0.69 ± 0.23 mg/g tissue for QMSI and 0.66 ± 0.057 mg/g tissue for LC-MS/MS. Comparison of means and standard deviations indicates no significant difference between the values obtained by the two methods.

Isosorbide as Core Component for Tailoring Biobased Unsaturated Polyester Thermosets for a Wide Structure-Property Window.

Biobased unsaturated polyester thermosets as potential replacements for petroleum-based thermosets were designed. The target of incorporating rigid units, to yield thermosets with high thermal and mechanical performance, both in the biobased unsaturated polyester (UP) and reactive diluent (RD) while retaining miscibility was successfully achieved. The biobased unsaturated polyester thermosets were prepared by varying the content of isosorbide, 1,4-butanediol, maleic anhydride, and succinic anhydride in combination with the reactive diluent isosorbide-methacrylate (IM). Isosorbide was chosen as the main component in both the UP and the RD to enhance the rigidity of the formed thermosets, to overcome solubility issues commonly associated with biobased UPs and RDs and volatility and toxicity associated with styrene as RD. All UPs had good solubility in the RD and the viscosity of the mixtures was primarily tuned by the feed ratio of isosorbide but also by the amount of maleic anhydride. The flexural modulus and storage modulus were tailorable by altering the monomer composition The fabricated thermosets had superior thermal and mechanical properties compared to most biobased UP thermosets with thermal stability up to about 250 °C and a storage modulus at 25 °C varying between 0.5 and 3.0 GPa. These values are close to commercial petroleum-based UP thermosets. The designed tailorable biobased thermosets are, thus, promising candidates to replace their petroleum analogs.

Isosorbide-based peptidomimetics as inhibitors of hepatitis C virus serine protease.

Hepatitis C infection is a cause of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and carcinoma. The current therapy for hepatitis C has limited efficacy and low tolerance. The HCV encodes a serine protease which is critical for viral replication, and few protease inhibitors are currently on the market. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and screening of novel isosorbide-based peptidomimetic inhibitors, in which the compounds 1d, 1e, and 1i showed significant inhibition of the protease activity in vitro at 100µM. The compound 1e also showed dose-response (IC50=36±3µM) and inhibited the protease mutants D168A and V170A at 100µM, indicating it as a promising inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease. Our molecular modeling studies suggest that the activity of 1e is associated with a change in the interactions of S2 and S4 subsites, since that the increased flexibility favors a decrease in activity against D168A, whereas the appearance of a hydrophobic cavity in the S4 subsite increase the inhibition against V170A strain.

Retarder action of isosorbide in a microemulsion for a targeted delivery of ceramide NP into the stratum corneum.

Ceramide [NP] is an integral component of the stratum corneum (SC) lipid matrix and is capable of forming tough and stable lamellar structures. It was proven, that in skin diseases as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis different ceramide (CER) classes, including [NP], are degraded. It is obvious that topically application of CER on impaired skin is useful for repairing the skin barrier but a tendency for low penetration due to its poor solubility in conventional dosage forms was observed. Therefore, a stable and physiologic compatible colloidal carrier system, a microemulsion (ME), was developed and characterized. The increasing knowledge of the new colloidal systems in this last decade shows their benefits in dermal application. Isosorbide (Polysorb P) was incorporated into the ME developed. It was expected that Polysorb P has a retarder potential in order to accumulate the CER in the SC, the outermost layer of the skin. Thereby the CER [NP] would be able to interact with the affected skin layers to strengthen the skin barrier. The release and penetration behavior of the CER [NP] from the ME was assessed ex vivo in a Franz diffusion cell. The results of the study showed that CER [NP] penetrate largely in the upper layers of the skin (from SC to stratum basale), which was the desired region. A recovery in the acceptor could not be detected that underlines an accumulation in upper layers. Furthermore, significantly increased values for the SC for the ME with retarder were not received. No differences in the concentrations of CER [NP] were observed. However, the toxicity of MEs was investigated using hens egg test chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). For the isosorbide-containing ME no difference was obtained in comparison to the non-containing. The results showed that both MEs are safe to be used on the skin for the controlled penetration of CER [NP] into the skin. The isosorbide had no effect on the irritating effect as well as on the penetration of the used CER.