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Advanced optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for comprehensive characterization of microplastics from
Abhrajyoti Tarafdar1, Junhao Xie1, Aoife Gowen1
1School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Abstract:
Growing attention is being directed towards exploring the potential harmful effects of microplastic (MP) particles on human health. Previous reports on human exposure to MPs have primarily focused on inhalation, ingestion, transdermal routes, and, potentially, transplacental transfer. The intravenous transfer of MP particles in routine healthcare settings has received limited exploration in existing literature. Standard hospital IV system set up with 0.9 % NaCl in a laminar flow hood with MP contamination precautions. Various volumes of 0.9 % NaCl passed through the system, some with a volumetric pump. Fluid filtered with Anodisc filters washed with isopropyl alcohol. The IV cannula was immersed in Mili-Q water for 72 h to simulate vein conditions. Subsequently, the water was filtered and washed. Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) microspectroscopy is used to examine filters for MP particles. All filters examined from the IV infusion system contained MP particles, including MPs from the polymer materials used in the manufacture of the IV delivery systems (polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride) and MP particles arising from plastic resin additives (epoxy resin, polyamide resin, and polysiloxane-containing MPs). The geometric mean from the extrapolated result data indicated that approximately 0.90 MP particles per mL of 0.9 % NaCl solution can be administered through a conventional IV infusion system in the absence of a volumetric pump. However, with the implementation of a pump, this value may increase to 1.57 particles per mL. Notably, over 72 h, a single cannula was found to release approximately 558 MP particles including polydimethylsiloxane, polysiloxane-containing MPs, polyamide resin, and epoxy resin. Routine IV infusion systems release microplastics. MP particles are also released around IV cannulas, suggesting transfer into the circulatory system during standard IV procedures.
Insights
Routine intravenous (IV) infusion systems release microplastic particles into administered fluids. This study quantifies microplastic contamination from IV setups, highlighting potential transfer into the human circulatory system.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Materials Science
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is increasingly studied via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal routes.
- Intravenous (IV) transfer of MPs in healthcare settings remains under-explored.
- MPs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with potential health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for microplastic contamination and release from standard hospital intravenous (IV) infusion systems.
- To quantify microplastic particles administered through IV systems and released from IV cannulas.
- To identify the types and sources of microplastics associated with IV procedures.
Main Methods:
- Simulated standard IV infusion setups using 0.9% NaCl solution under controlled conditions.
- Filtration of IV fluids and water simulating vein conditions using Anodisc filters.
- Analysis of filters for microplastic particles using Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) microspectroscopy.
- Quantification of microplastic particles per mL of solution and released from IV cannulas over time.
Main Results:
- All examined filters from the IV infusion system contained microplastic particles.
- Microplastics originated from IV system materials (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene) and additives (e.g., epoxy resin, polyamide resin).
- Conventional IV systems administered approximately 0.90 particles/mL without a pump and 1.57 particles/mL with a pump.
- A single IV cannula released approximately 558 MP particles over 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Routine IV infusion systems are a source of microplastic contamination.
- Microplastic particles are released from IV delivery systems and cannulas, suggesting potential transfer into the bloodstream.
- Further research is needed to understand the health impacts of microplastic exposure via intravenous administration.
