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Micro and nano plastics release from a single absorbable suture into simulated body fluid
Yunhong Shi1, Dunzhu Li2, Christopher Hill3
1Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin D02PN40, Ireland; TrinityHaus, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin D02PN40, Ireland.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|February 1, 2024
Summary
Absorbable polyglycolic acid sutures release millions of microplastics and nanoplastics, while nonabsorbable sutures do not. Blending PGA with other polymers significantly reduces particle release, highlighting the need for health risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Synthetic polymers are crucial for medical devices and implants, offering biocompatibility and mechanical strength.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) particle release from these medical-grade polymers.
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA) based sutures are commonly used, but their potential for particle shedding requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic and nanoplastic particle release from absorbable (PGA) and nonabsorbable (polypropylene, polyamide) sutures.
- To compare particle release levels among different PGA suture types and with nonabsorbable sutures.
- To evaluate the impact of co-blending PGA with L-lactide or epsilon-caprolactone on particle release.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of three PGA sutures (PGA 100, PGA 90, PGA 75) and two nonabsorbable sutures (PP, PA) in simulated body fluid for 8 weeks.
- Quantification of microplastic (> 1 µm) and nanoplastic (200-1000 nm) particles released per centimeter of suture.
- Analysis of particle release from PGA sutures co-blended with L-lactide or epsilon-caprolactone.
Main Results:
- MP and NP release levels were significantly higher from absorbable PGA sutures compared to nonabsorbable PP and PA sutures.
- Release levels ranked: PGA 100 >> PGA 90 > PGA 75 >> PP ≈ PA.
- A single PGA 100 suture released approximately 0.63 million MPs and 1.96 million NPs per centimeter.
- Co-blending PGA with 10-25% L-lactide or epsilon-caprolactone reduced MP release by two orders of magnitude.
- No MPs were detected from nonabsorbable sutures under the tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Absorbable PGA sutures are a notable source of microplastic and nanoplastic particle release in simulated body fluid.
- The composition of PGA sutures significantly influences particle shedding, with co-blending reducing release.
- Further research is essential to assess the in vivo release and potential health risks of nano- and microplastics from medical polymers.
