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The syringe nitroxide free radical--Part II
1ESR Center, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Free Radical Research Communications
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Plastic syringes can release nitroxide free radicals, acting as an unexpected antioxidant system. This system, with a redox potential between vitamins C and E, can influence free radical reactions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plastic syringes can leach nitroxide free radicals into solutions.
- These radicals are detectable via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant properties of nitroxide free radicals introduced by plastic syringes.
- To determine the redox potential of this adventitious antioxidant system.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of EPR spectra of fluids exposed to plastic syringes.
- Characterization of the nitroxide/hydroxylamine couple's redox potential.
Main Results:
- A nitroxide free radical was identified in plasma with a specific EPR spectral signature (triplet, aN = 17.0 +/- 0.1 G).
- The nitroxide/hydroxylamine couple functions as an antioxidant system.
- Its redox potential falls between that of vitamin C and vitamin E.
Conclusions:
- Plastic syringes can inadvertently introduce an antioxidant system into biological fluids.
- This adventitious antioxidant can modify the behavior of free radical processes.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications of this finding.