The topical penetrant, DMSO has been around since the 19th century but its uses are quite frankly underrated. Studies are ongoing and results are coming in reporting that there are many uses of DMSO which are only now surfacing amidst the scientific community.
Still, DMSO is an important part of our everyday life.
Officially, DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a highly versatile and widely used solvent that finds numerous applications in industrial settings. Some of the many ways that DMSO is used in industrial applications include:
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Solvent for chemical reactions: DMSO is an excellent solvent that is used to dissolve a wide range of chemicals, including salts, acids, and bases. This makes it ideal for use in chemical reactions, where it can be used to dissolve and facilitate the reaction between different chemicals.
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Polymer manufacture: DMSO is a common solvent used in the production of polymers, including nylon and polystyrene. It is used as a solvent to facilitate the polymerization process and to help dissolve and mix the various chemicals that go into the production of these materials.
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Metal cleaning: DMSO is also used as a solvent in metal cleaning applications, where it is used to dissolve and remove grease, oil, and other contaminants from metal surfaces prior to painting or coating.
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Pharmaceutical production: DMSO is used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent for drugs, especially in the early stages of drug development. It is used to dissolve and mix different chemicals and to help carry them through the body when used in topical or transdermal drug delivery.
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Cryopreservation: DMSO has unique properties that allow it to be used in the preservation of biological tissues and cells, including in cryopreservation, where it is used to preserve cells and tissues for transplantation or research purposes.
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Analytical chemistry: DMSO is used in analytical chemistry as a solvent for sample preparation and analysis, as well as a matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Overall, the many uses of DMSO in industrial applications reflect its versatility and ability to dissolve and facilitate reactions between a wide range of chemicals and materials.
DMSO is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for bladder inflammation, and to treat symptoms of a disease called interstitial cystitis. DMSO is also used as a solvent for drugs and as a preservative for biological samples, and is being studied as a potential treatment for various conditions such as osteoarthritis and cancer. However, it is important to note that DMSO has potential side effects and should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.