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Microplastics in nucleus pulposus tissue of humans revealed by Raman mosaic imaging screening
Zhaoxiang Zeng1, Rongzeng Huang1, Chengwu Song1,2
1School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in various tissues, yet evidence regarding the relatively isolated nucleus pulposus (NP) remains limited. This study investigated MPs in NP tissues from 51 patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery in Wuhan, China. Samples underwent chemical digestion and filtration, followed by candidate-particle screening using an operator-assisted micro-Raman spectroscopy mosaic imaging workflow and targeted Raman spectral assignment. Microplastic-sized polymer particles were Raman-assigned in five patients, including polyurethane foam, poly (propylene glycol), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), polyacrylate rubber, and poly (ethylene-co-propylene). A graphite particle was also detected in one additional patient. Specifically, nine particles ranging from 37 to 280 μm were detected across six patients; notably, most were smaller than 100 μm. To reduce false-positive assignments, procedural blanks and five known surgical materials were analyzed, and particles matching these sampled materials were excluded. This study provides preliminary evidence of particulate contaminants in NP tissue, demonstrating the feasibility of detection in this understudied anatomical compartment and establishing a methodological foundation for future investigations.
Insights
Microplastics were found in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues from patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This study demonstrates a method for detecting these tiny plastic particles in this isolated spinal disc compartment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Evidence of MPs in the nucleus pulposus (NP), a critical spinal disc component, is scarce.
- Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) presents an opportunity to access NP tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and types of microplastics in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue.
- To establish and validate a methodology for detecting MPs in NP samples.
- To assess the feasibility of microplastic detection in this previously understudied anatomical site.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of NP tissue samples from 51 patients undergoing LDH surgery.
- Chemical digestion and filtration of tissue samples.
- Operator-assisted micro-Raman spectroscopy with mosaic imaging for particle identification and spectral assignment.
- Exclusion of false positives using procedural blanks and analysis of surgical materials.
Main Results:
- Microplastic particles were detected in six out of 51 patients.
- Identified polymers included polyurethane foam, poly(propylene glycol), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), polyacrylate rubber, and poly(ethylene-co-propylene).
- Detected particles ranged from 37 to 280 μm, with most smaller than 100 μm; one graphite particle was also found.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue.
- The developed methodology is effective for detecting particulate contaminants in NP.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications of MPs in spinal disc health.