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Unveiling nanoplastic release from single-use eyedrop vials: A particle-based approach for identification and quantification
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Researchers used advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify nanoplastics released from single-use disposable eyedrop containers. They found that thousands of micro- and nanoplastic particles were released simply upon opening the containers, with 88% of particles falling in the nanoscale range. The findings raise concerns about direct ocular exposure to nanoplastics from a common medical product.
Microplastics have been detected in vitreous samples, providing evidence of ocular health risks associated with direct exposure to micro-nanoplastics (MNPs). However, the primary sources, abundance, morphology and size distribution of these particles remain unclear. Here, we employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (Pyr-GC/MS) to verify the release of synthetic polymers from commercial disposable eye-drop containers. Due to small sample volumes, this conventional mass-based analytical method struggled to quantify the MNPs concentration effectively. In contrast, the single particle-based analytical techniques, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and scanning electron microscopy, reveal thousands of MNPs released upon opening the container, with 88 % of particles measuring less than 5 μm. Another release mechanism is attributed to pre-existing particles within the container. The detection of oxygenated MNPs further suggests an increased potential for ocular toxicity. This research highlights the feasibility of particle-based methods when it comes for targeting the nanoscale of plastic particles. Furthermore, integration of SERS and SEM identifies a previously uncharacterized direct exposure route of nanoplastics to the human eye via commercial eye drops and emphasizes the importance of single-particle characterization in accurately assessing their implications for ocular health.
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Researchers tested commercial eye drop products for microplastic contamination using multiple analytical methods and found microplastics present in all tested brands. The particles were mostly smaller than 100 micrometers and composed primarily of PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene, identifying eye drops as a previously unrecognized route of direct ocular microplastic exposure.
Microplastics Identified in Commercial Over-the-counter Lubricant Eyedrops
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Researchers tested nine commonly used over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops sold in single-use plastic vials and found microplastic particles in all of them. The microplastics came from the vial packaging material itself, with higher concentrations found in preservative-free formulations. The findings raise concerns about a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure directly to the eye surface through everyday eye care products.
Microplastic contamination in commercial ophthalmic solutions: Exposure, polymer types, and analytical detection methods
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in common eye drop products, meaning these particles could be getting into your eyes every time you use them. While scientists don't yet know exactly what this means for eye health, the discovery adds eye drops to the growing list of everyday products—including water and food—where microplastics are showing up, raising questions about long-term exposure that need more research.
Microplastics identified in commercial over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops
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Researchers conducted extensive quantification of microplastic contamination in commercial over-the-counter lubricant eyedrops, finding MPs in multiple product brands at concentrations suggesting direct ocular exposure with each application. The study identified a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure with potential implications for eye health.
Microplastic contamination in commercial eyedrop products: detection and characterization study
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.