p-Tertbutylcalix[4]arene nanoemulsion: Preparation, characterization and comparative evaluation of its decontamination efficacy against Technetium-99m, Iodine-131 and Thallium-201

•p-Tertbutylcalix[4]arene nanoemulsion complexed with 99mTc, 131I & 201Tl.•p-Tertbutylcalix[4]arene formulation shows wide spectrum decontamination.•The nanoemulsion is reasonably stable and skin-safe for application.

This study aimed to develop p-tertbutylcalix[4]arene o/w nanoemulsion for decontamination of radioisotopes from skin. Formulation was characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), multi-photon confocal microscopy techniques and in vitro dissolution studies. In vivo evaluation of nano-emulsion was done using nuclear medicine technique. Stability studies and dermal toxicity studies were also carried out. Comparative decontamination efficacy (DE) studies were performed on synthetic human tissue equivalent material and Sprague Dawley rat against three commonly used medical radioisotopes, i.e., Technetium-99m (99mTc), Iodine-131 (131I) and Thallium-201 (201Tl). Decontamination was performed using cotton swabs soaked in nanoemulsion at different time intervals of contaminants exposure. Whole body imaging and static counts were recorded using gamma camera before and after each decontamination attempt data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). DE of the nanoemulsion loaded with p-tertbutylcalix[4]arene was observed to be 88 ± 5%, 90 ± 3% and 89 ± 3% for 99mTc, 131I and 201Tl respectively. Dermal toxicity studies revealed no significant differences between treated and control animals. Skin histopathology slides with and without API (Active pharmaceutical ingredients) also found to be comparable. p-Tertbutylcalix[4]arene loaded nanoemulsion shows great promise for skin decontamination against broad ranges of radiological contaminants besides being stable and safe.

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