Incorporating ILs presents a promising pathway to enhance medication effectiveness and ensure ethical compliance , particularly in adhering to halal standards .

For millions of Muslims , the assurance that their prescriptions align with Islamic values is of utmost importance . This article explores the role of ILs within halal pharmaceuticals , exploring the benefits , challenges and future potential .

UNIQUE PROPERTIES AND ADVANTAGES

Ionic liquids ( ILs ) are salts that remain in a liquid state below 100 , unlike conventional salts , which are typically solid at room temperature . Due to the variety of ions that can be paired , ILs offer an extensive range of possible combinations .

The appeal of ILs lies in their diverse chemical structures and properties , including negligible volatility , high polarity , excellent thermal stability , strong ionic conductivity , low melting point , structural tunability and good solubility .

These attributes make ILs highly effective as solvents and functional materials across various industrial applications , including catalysis , electrochemistry , and pharmaceuticals .

A GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

ILs are often considered “ green solvents ” due to their distinctive physical and chemical properties . Unlike traditional organic solvents , ILs exhibit low vapour pressure , reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds and minimising exposure to airborne chemicals .

Their high thermal stability allows them to withstand extreme temperatures without decomposing . However , the environmental impact of ILs can vary depending on the specific combination of cations and anions used .

Researchers are developing third-generation ILs that prioritise biodegradability and low toxicity profiles to address these challenges . By selecting or designing less harmful cation-anion pairs and promoting biodegradation under normal condi-

BY NAJIHAH MOHD NOOR

Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability , Kulliyyah of Engineering , International Islamic University Malaysia , 50728 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia .

and

AMAL A . M . ELGHARBAWY

International Institute of Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), International Islamic University Malaysia , Gombak 53100 , Malaysia .

tions , these efforts aim to enhance the ecological sustainability of ILs while maintaining their beneficial properties .

THE HALAL PHARMACEUTICAL LANDSCAPE

The halal pharmaceutical market is growing , driven by its alignment with Islamic principles , emphasising product safety and adherence to religious guidelines . According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy 2023 / 2024 report , Muslim consumers spent US $ 108 billion on pharmaceuticals in 2022 , a 7.8 per cent increase from the previous year .

This growth indicates a rising demand for pharmaceutical products in Muslim-majority countries and among Muslim populations globally . Turkiye , Saudi Arabia , and the US emerged as the largest markets for this expenditure , reflecting widespread geographic distribution .

Muslim pharmaceutical spending is projected to reach US $ 142 billion by 2027 , with an anticipated compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 5.7 per cent .

Halal standards mandate avoiding ingredients such as alcohol , pork derivatives and certain animal by-products while ensuring maximum hygiene and minimal contamination with toxic , najs ( ritually unclean ) or khabith ( impure ) ingredients . These standards influence ingredient selection and manufacturing processes , including solvents , excipients , and processing aids . Manufacturing facilities must be

physically separated from non-halal production to avoid contamination .

INTERSECTION OF IONIC LIQUIDS AND HALAL PHARMACEUTICALS

The intersection of ILs and halal pharmaceuticals offers numerous opportunities . Due to their highly customisable and versatile nature , ILs can be synthesised to meet the stringent requirements of halal pharmaceuticals .

This adaptability is particularly beneficial in formulating medications that comply with specific guidelines concerning permissible ingredients and production methods .

The exclusion of alcohol and certain animal-derived ingredients complicates formulation processes , but ILs offer a versatile solution . They can act as alternative solvents or active pharmaceutical ingredients ( APIs ) that meet halal standards , expanding the range of acceptable materials .

ILs can also be used in various formulation components , including surfactants , micelles and vesicles . They can also substitute for the aqueous or oil phases in liquid formulations .

The ability to tailor ILs ensures that they are effective and compliant with halal requirements , enhancing the development of ethically acceptable medications and promoting advancements in pharmaceutical technology .

APPLYING IONIC LIQUIDS IN HALAL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION

Research into using ILs to enhance the properties of licensed pharmaceuticals is currently active . ILs offer several benefits in halal pharmaceutical production , particularly in compliance with halal standards , while improving the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products .

Their good solvating capacity can significantly enhance the solubility and stability of poorly soluble drugs , especially those classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System ( BCS ) Class 2 .

These classes of drugs typically exhibit poor solubility and high permeability , posing significant formulation and delivery challenges . Approximately 75 % of new molecular entities ( NME ) approved by the U . S . Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) face this limitation , potentially compromising the therapeutic effectiveness ( Han et al ., 2020 ).

ILs ’ versatile solvents can dissolve many compounds , including