Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
Published on: July 24, 2021
Invisible plastic release from overlooked usage practices in microwaved food packaging
Pei-Ying Lin1, Shu-Ling Hsieh2, I-Hsuan Wu3
1Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lien-Hai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
None:
Plastic food packaging is an overlooked source of invisible contamination during microwaving. In this study, polyethylene (PE) residues released from microwaveable food packaging, including onigiri wrappers, porridge cartons, and milk cartons, were investigated under microwave conditions representative of routine consumer use. PE release increased markedly with heating duration. Nile Red fluorescence staining showed that microplastic size decreased from 3.88 ± 0.28 μm to 3.18 ± 0.23 μm during prolonged heating. Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed nanoplastic particles within 1-3 min of microwave heating, with sizes ranging from 40 to 240 nm. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy showed that polyethylene residues released from onigiri wrappers reached 1443.78 ± 5.28 μg/mL after 5 min of microwave exposure. Exposure to these residues decreased the viability of Clone 9 normal rat liver cells and increased oxidative stress. These findings suggest that neglected usage patterns may contribute to invisible plastic contamination, raising concerns about food safety.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Standing Waves in a Cavity
Plasticizers
Plasticizers function by using surface-active agents to create repulsive electrostatic forces between cement particles. This dispersion enhances the concrete's...
Methods of Controlling Food Spoilage
Microbial Spoilage of Food

