High-Content Screening Discovers Microplastics Released by Contact Lenses under Sunlight

Liu, Yuxuan; Ling, Xin; Jiang, Runren; Chen, Ling; Ye, Lin; Wang, Yonghua; Lu, Guanghua; Wu, Bing

doi:10.1021/acs.est.3c01601

Cited by 13 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…A contaminant of concern harboured by plastics are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which have been shown to induce immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, and hepatic dysfunction and increase the risk of developing malignancies 21,22 . Contact lenses have been shown to be a source of microplastic exposure, and a recent study showed that contact lens usage was associated with elevated serum PFAS levels among young adults 14,23 . While tear homeostasis and the blink mechanism help with regulating tear volume, their role in clearing microplastics and contaminants of emerging concern remains unexplored 24 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Elevated concentrations of microplastics in vitreous samples were also associated with higher intraocular pressures and the presence of aqueous humour opacities 6 . Contact lenses have been identified as a source of microplastics, with an estimated release of 90,000 particles on the ocular surface from regular wear of ten hours daily over a year 14 . Given the ubiquitous nature of microplastics in plastic packaging, it is conceivable that microplastics may also be present in commercially available eyedrops.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microplastics Identified in Commercial Over-the-counter Lubricant Eyedrops

Jaeger,

Burke,

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Purpose There is increasing evidence that microplastics exert harmful effects on human health and on the ocular surface. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of ocular surface exposure to microplastics via shedding from contact lenses. This study aims to investigate if microplastic particles are present in commonly used eyedrops in single-use plastic vials. Design Experimental study. Methods Nine commonly used commercial tear-replacement solutions available without a doctor's prescription were tested (Brands A-I). All brands of eyedrops were analysed visually using light microscopy and the number of microplastic particles were manually counted. Brands A-F were further analysed using the 8700 Agilent Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging system to identify the microplastic compositions. Results All eyedrops analysed contained microplastics. The number of microplastic particles identified using light microscopy ranged between 15 (Brand E) to >18,000 (Brand F). In total, nine types of microplastics were identified with LDIR - an average of 14 polyethylene, 8 polypropylene, 1 polystyrene, 2 polyvinylchloride, 21 polyethylene terephthalate, 1 polycarbonate, 19 polymethylmethacrylate, 23 polyamide and 22 polyurethane per millilitre of eyedrop were identified. Conclusions This is the first study that identified microplastics in commercial tear-replacement solutions. These particles may have been derived from secondary degradation of the plastic vials (polyethylene) during production, transportation, or storage, and represent a major source of exposure to the ocular surface, especially among patients who require chronic instillation of eyedrops.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics Identified in Commercial Over-the-counter Lubricant Eyedrops

Jaeger,

Burke,

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…A surprising potential source is intravenous infusion, which can introduce MNPs released from plastic medical products directly into the blood (Table ), , posing a serious potential threat on the human body. Recent studies have also suggested that MNPs can be accidentally introduced into the human body during surgery and while inserting contact lenses. , However, these potentially important human exposure pathways remain unclear. While it is crucial to focus on the primary pathways through which MNPs enter the human body, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure, the significance of accidental pathways cannot be overlooked, particularly those that directly introduce MNPs into the bloodstream, such as intravenous infusion.…”

Section: Sources Of Mnps In the Human Bodymentioning

confidence: 99%

Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks

Li,

Liu

2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The increasing global attention on micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is a result of their ubiquity in the water, air, soil, and biosphere, exposing humans to MNPs on a daily basis and threatening human health. However, crucial data on MNPs in the human body, including the sources, occurrences, behaviors, and health risks, are limited, which greatly impedes any systematic assessment of their impact on the human body. To further understand the effects of MNPs on the human body, we must identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be immediately addressed and provide potential solutions to these issues. Herein, we examined the current literature on the sources, occurrences, and behaviors of MNPs in the human body as well as their potential health risks. Furthermore, we identified key knowledge gaps that must be resolved to comprehensively assess the effects of MNPs on human health. Additionally, we addressed that the complexity of MNPs and the lack of efficient analytical methods are the main barriers impeding current investigations on MNPs in the human body, necessitating the development of a standard and unified analytical method. Finally, we highlighted the need for interdisciplinary studies from environmental, biological, medical, chemical, computer, and material scientists to fill these knowledge gaps and drive further research. Considering the inevitability and daily occurrence of human exposure to MNPs, more studies are urgently required to enhance our understanding of their potential negative effects on human health.

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Analysis of aged microplastics: a review

Shi,

Huang

et al. 2024

Environ Chem Lett

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Microplastics are emerging contaminants that undergo progressive aging under environmental conditions such as sunlight irradiation, mechanical forces, temperature variations, and the presence of biological organisms. Since aging modifies microplastic properties, such as their own toxicity and the toxicity of trapped pollutants, advanced methods to analyze microplastics are required. Here we review methods to analyze microplastic aging with focus on the aging process, qualitative identification, quantitative characterization, and chemometrics. Qualitative identification is done by mechanical techniques, thermal techniques, e.g., thermal degradation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and spectral techniques, e.g., infrared, Raman, fluorescent, and laser techniques. Quantitative characterization is done by microscopy and mass spectrometry. Microplastic aging results in a series of surface physical changes, biofilm formation, chemical oxidation, thermal alternation, and mechanical deterioration. Changes in mechanical and thermal properties allow to differentiate aged microplastics. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are rapid and sensitive for chemical identification of microplastics in complex environmental samples. Combining two techniques is preferable for accurate detection and categorization.

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High-Content Screening Discovers Microplastics Released by Contact Lenses under Sunlight

Cited by 13 publications

References 44 publications

Microplastics Identified in Commercial Over-the-counter Lubricant Eyedrops

Microplastics Identified in Commercial Over-the-counter Lubricant Eyedrops

Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks

Analysis of aged microplastics: a review

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