Identification and quantification of micro–nano-plastics in polypropylene-bottled injections

Abstract

Micro–nano-plastic (MNP) particles (p) in the environment can enter the human body and pose a potential threat to human health. However, it is unknown whether these substances are present in polypropylene (PP) plastic-bottled injections, which are used as high-frequency intravenous infusions to treat diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and quantify insoluble MNP particles in 16 batches of injectable formulations within the validity period. Primarily, ethylene–propylene copolymer or P(E–P) micro-plastic (MP) particles (2–10 μm, 216 p/mL) were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy, and nano-particles (<50 nm, 2.1 × 104 p/mL) similar to PP containing only carbon were detected by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (photoelectron). Furthermore, P(E–P) MP particles (1 × 103 to 1 × 105 ng/L) from the injections were enriched on the GF-B filter, and PP or P(E–P) nano-plastic (NP) particles (1 × 103 to 4 × 104 ng/L) enriched on the alumina film were detected by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Finally, the total insoluble particles in injections were 6 × 104 to 1 × 107 p/mL (0.02–100 μm). Our findings are the first to identify and quantify MNPs in PP-bottled injections. Considering that they can enter the blood circulation, so whether cause disease remains to be investigated.

Keywords

• Polypropylene bottles
• Injections
• Micro–nano-plastics
• Identification
• Quantification