Over the past five decades, global plastic production has surged, leading to a significant environmental and health crisis. In 2018, global plastic production exceeded 359 million tons, with 8 to 10 million tons entering the oceans annually. Microplastics (MPs), along with nanoplastics (NPs), represent the most significant pollutants in the environment, originating from both primary manufacturing processes or decomposed secondary products. When entered the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption, MPs raise health concerns because they show potential health risks, including tissue damage and inflammation.
Detection techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and Mass spectrometry have emerged as scientific innovations, but better solutions are needed for precise and sensitive detection. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) represents an efficient method for identifying both MPs and NPs. Research conducted in recent times has established that MPs exist within human blood alongside medical fluids, which shows probable harmful effects on blood components. The research investigates MP contamination of polypropylene (PP) infusion bottles through microscopic and SERS spectral analysis to determine their incidence.
Scientists evaluated medical saline solutions from two pharmaceutical companies packaged in 250 mL polypropylene bottles. To minimize contamination, the fluid was dispensed at a controlled rate (40–60 drops/min) into a covered beaker. The vacuum filtration system extracted MPs before they were placed on SERS substrate material for evaluation purposes. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) worked together with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to examine both particle dimensions and chemical compositions.
For precise identification, researchers utilized a 532 nm laser-equipped confocal Raman spectrometer with SERS enhancement. The research took place inside hermetically sealed conditions following detailed requirements to stop outside disturbances from altering the experiments. Analysis of six random sample regions allowed researchers to generate estimated human exposure values when receiving intravenous (IV) infusion treatment.
The presence of MPs in all IV solutions became evident through optical microscopy combined with Raman imaging techniques. The analysis detected PP particles throughout both pharmaceutical brands using Raman signatures, which matched official reference results. The SEM-EDS analysis confirmed both the irregular form of the identified particles and their primarily carbon-based structure.
Six evaluation tests on 250 mL infusion bottles from three different brands demonstrated MPs varying from 1 μm to 62 μm in size. Most measured particles (52–68%) were distributed between 1–10 μm sizes, while larger particles appeared less frequently. The observed MP count reached an average level of 7,500 particles per liter. The collected data passed control tests that showed no external contaminants, allowing for proper measurement accuracy.
IV solutions contain MPs as a concern that significantly affects the health status of hospitalized patients who receive extensive medical fluid treatment. Multiple IV treatment sessions expose surgical patients to up to 52,500 MPs, while each patient receiving dehydration care gets exposed to 42,000 MPs. Scientific research shows that MPs gain access to blood circulation, followed by their accumulation in the liver and kidneys as well as the spleen and lungs. The entry of microscopic plastic particles into the body has been linked to coronary artery health risks because scientists identified MPs inside arterial plaques and blood clots. The size range of 2–15 μm for MPs causes obstruction of pulmonary capillaries, which can result in thrombosis fibrosis and immune system activation. Recent medical research shows that MP exposure in critically ill children leads to inflammatory reactions, which result in respiratory problems. The release of harmful chemicals from MPs contributes to greater toxicity levels in the human system.
The study demonstrates increasing evidence of plastic pollution’s health impacts by revealing contamination of medical intravenous fluids with microplastics. PP bottles used for infusion solution packaging allow an average of 7,500 MPs to exist per liter, and these microscopic particles most frequently measure 1–20 ÎĽm. The potential effects of MPs on human health include activation of coagulation systems together with organ malfunctions and toxic chemical release that triggers adverse immune responses. Additionally, factors such as temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and manufacturing inconsistencies may influence MP degradation and release.
References: Huang T, Liu Y, Wang L, et al. MPs entering human circulation through infusions: a significant pathway and health concern. Environ Health. doi:10.1021/envhealth.4c00210
