How Molecular Iodine Functions Within Skin

At the heart of I2Pure technology is molecular iodine, or I2, the active molecule in all iodine solutions that provides 100% of their antiseptic properties. 

The I2Pure manuscript “Molecular iodine is not responsible for cytotoxicity in iodophors” demonstrates that I2 will penetrate into the skin through all layers down to the dermis/hypodermis. The lipid environment in this layer of skin acts like a sponge capable of stabilizing and holding high concentrations of I2. It is from this living repository that the I2 changes to a gas which is released slowly through the skin (out-gassing) for hours after application.

When I2 molecules cross paths with pathogenic cells, they rip through the pathogen's cell walls and membranes and oxidize the internal nucleotides and fatty/amino acids. This results in the deactivation of proteins as well as DNA/RNA. Pathogens encountering the gas are rendered lifeless.

skin diagram

When I2Pure topical formulations are applied directly to the skin, I2 is absorbed into the skin’s lower layers, the dermis and hypodermis. It is then slowly released out through the skin through outgassing.   This solution provides extended microbial persistence.
 
iodine staining

Iodine staining of pig skin epidermis after application of 30 mL of 66,000 ppm I2-glycerine to a 1.77-cm2 circular piece of pig skin.

 
iodine staining

Molecular Iodine in the Hypodermis. I2 detected (aqua color) in purplish hypodermis tissue after removal of the epidermal and dermal skin layers.

On its own, the I2 species can penetrate skin layers and enters into (partitions into) the fatty tissue of the dermis/hypodermis. From within this fatty tissue, I2 is released over time as a gas.

The two most commonly used iodine preparations are 10% PVP-I and Lugol’s Solution. When applied, they dry and form a thin layer on the skin surface. Both preparations contain multiple iodine species including negligible amounts of molecular iodine (I2); the only iodine species responsible for anti-microbial activity. The make up of these preparations keeps almost all of the I2 on the skin surface where it evaporates.

Molecular iodine does not need to be restricted to the surface of the skin. Efficacy does not benefit from any other iodine species in a formulation.

This video demonstrates I2 moving through all skin layers down to the dermis and hypodermis.