Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Three-dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Materials to Create Automated Syringe Pumps with Feedback Control for Microfluidic Applications
Published on: August 30, 2018
Microplastics and nanoplastics released from injection syringe, solid and liquid dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS).
Cheng Fang1, Lirong Zhao2, Ruoqi Pu2
1Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
Plastic syringes release millions of micro(nano)plastics, both solid and liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), during injections. This study quantifies this contamination using Raman imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Plastic syringes utilize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stoppers and lubricants.
- These components can degrade during use, releasing PDMS particles.
- Micro(nano)plastic contamination from medical devices is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify solid and liquid micro(nano)plastics released from plastic syringes.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Raman imaging and SEM for analyzing micro(nano)plastics.
Main Methods:
- Raman imaging was used to analyze the molecular spectra of micro(nano)plastics.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided high-resolution morphological data.
- Image deconvolution algorithms enhanced weak nanoplastic signals; multiple syringes and random scans ensured statistical validity.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the release of solid PDMS debris and liquid PDMS droplets as micro(nano)plastics.
- Estimated that thousands of microplastics and millions of nanoplastics can be injected from a 1 mL syringe.
- Raman imaging and SEM proved effective for visualizing and quantifying these particles.
Conclusions:
- Plastic syringes are a significant source of both solid and liquid micro(nano)plastic contamination.
- Raman imaging, coupled with SEM and deconvolution algorithms, is a valuable tool for micro(nano)plastic research.
- Caution is advised when using plastic syringes due to potential health and environmental impacts.
