Use of boron in medicine

Use of boron in medicine

Boron as a mineral has a wide range of uses - from toys to medicine, its name comes from the Arabic word "Burak".

What is boron? Pure boron is a dark amorphous powder. This chemical element was discovered in 1808. Its main compounds are boric acid, sodium borate and boron oxide.

Boron is used in eye drops, antiseptics, washing powders and glazes for tiles. Boron oxide is often used in the manufacture of fiberglass.

Pipettes and test tubes from borosilicate glass, screens, suction capacity, laboratory glassware, etc. are produced for special medical operations (genetic and oncodiagnostics). Borosilicate screens for telescopes, reflectors, light filters, and glass for lanterns are widely distributed.

Boron oxide is also widely used in the production of borosilicate glass (Pyrex). The element gives stiffness and heat resistance to the glass. Initially it was a licensed product of a single company, but then the license was sold, and now any pyroxilicate heat-resistant glass is called a "pyrex". WestMedGroup can offer suction capacities from heat-resistant glass.

Borosilicate glass differs from quartz - alkaline components in it are replaced by boric oxide B2O3, which greatly reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion and makes the glass resistant to high temperatures. The main components of such glass: silica (up to 80%), boron oxide (up to 13%), sodium and potassium oxide (up to 4%) and alumina (up to 2%).

Borosilicate compounds improved the performance of medical glass:

• 2-5 times better resistance to thermal shock (up to 300 C);
• can be used from -80 °C to 525 °C, but it is advisable not to heat above 600 and cool slowly, which facilitates sterilization of suction capacity;
• coefficient of thermal expansion up to 10 times lower than that of quartz glass;
• produced suction capacity has a smooth surface, low density, high transparency and environmental friendliness;
• suction capacity collects heterogeneous substances, so the high chemical inertness to most classes and compounds (acids, alkalis, water and halogens) is important here.

We daily are exposed to absorb boron through water, air, fruits and vegetables. It is estimated that in humans, daily intake is between 2 and 18 mg. Boron is not considered poisonous to animals, but at higher doses it can disrupt the metabolism in the body.

Boron is included in the process of calcium and magnesium metabolism, used to treat painful menstruation, strengthen bones, treat osteoarthritis, build muscle and increase testosterone levels, to improve thinking and coordination. Some boron compounds are considered as oncological drugs. In the XIX century it was used as a food preservative before it fell out of use in 1920. Children in maximum concentration contact with boron in lice.