A review of common non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers for use in food contact materials

Non-targeted identification and risk assessment of unknown substances in disposable plastic tableware by GC-Orbitrap HRMS

Disposable plastic tableware was widely used and it was particularly important to identify potential hazardous substances in it and evaluate the risk to humans health. In this study, 85 substances were identified in 60 samples (22 bowls, 20 sporks, and 18 straws) by methanol extraction and non-targeted analysis using GC-Orbitrap HRMS. Subsequently, 14 high-risk substances were further screened and their migration in the samples was measured in three food simulants. Finally, based on the proposed safety limit assessment scheme for EU- authorized and unauthorized substances, the risk assessment of exposure to high-risk substances in disposable plastic tableware was performed for three age groups. The results showed that the dibutyl phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in some samples exceeded the safety limit value. Overall, the risk of bowls was lower than spock and straws, and the potential exposure risk for young children was higher than that of adults and older children.

Assessment of biodegradation and toxicity of alternative plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate: Impacts on microbial biofilms, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress response

Although di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP) is being widely adopted as a non-phthalate plasticizer, existing research primarily focuses on human and rat toxicity. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of their impact on microbial communities. This study assessed the biodegradation and toxicity of DOTP on microbes, focusing on its impact on biofilms and microbial metabolism using Rhodococcus ruber as a representative bacterial strain. DOTP is commonly found in mass fractions between 0.6 and 20% v/v in various soft plastic products. This study used polyvinyl chloride films (PVC) with varying DOTP concentrations (range 1-10% v/v) as a surface for analysis of biofilm growth. Cell viability and bacterial stress responses were tested using LIVE/DEAD™ BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit and by the detection of reactive oxygen species using CellROX™ Green Reagent, respectively. An increase in the volume of dead cells (in the plastisphere biofilm) was observed with increasing DOTP concentrations in experiments using PVC films, indicating the potential negative impact of DOTP on microbial communities. Even at a relatively low concentration of DOTP (1%), signs of stress in the microbes were noticed, while concentrations above 5% compromised their ability to survive. This research provides a new understanding of the environmental impacts of alternative plasticizers, prompting the need for additional research into their wider effects on both the environment and human health.

Metabolomics in human SGBS cells as new approach method for studying adipogenic effects: Analysis of the effects of DINCH and MINCH on central carbon metabolism

Growing evidence suggests that exposure to certain metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs), such as the phthalate plasticizer DEHP, might promote obesity in humans, contributing to the spread of this global health problem. Due to the restriction on the use of phthalates, there has been a shift to safer declared substitutes, including the plasticizer diisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH). Notwithstanding, recent studies suggest that the primary metabolite monoisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid ester (MINCH), induces differentiation of human adipocytes and affects enzyme levels of key metabolic pathways. Given the lack of methods for assessing metabolism-disrupting effects of chemicals on adipose tissue, we used metabolomics to analyze human SGSB cells exposed to DINCH or MINCH. Concentration analysis of DINCH and MINCH revealed that uptake of MINCH in preadipocytes was associated with increased lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. Although we also observed intracellular uptake for DINCH, the solubility of DINCH in cell culture medium was limited, hampering the analysis of possible effects in the μM concentration range. Metabolomics revealed that MINCH induces lipid accumulation similar to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG)-agonist rosiglitazone through upregulation of the pyruvate cycle, which was recently identified as a key driver of de novo lipogenesis. Analysis of the metabolome in the presence of the PPARG-inhibitor GW9662 indicated that the effect of MINCH on metabolism was mediated at least partly by a PPARG-independent mechanism. However, all effects of MINCH were only observed at high concentrations of 10 μM, which are three orders of magnitudes higher than the current concentrations of plasticizers in human serum. Overall, the assessment of the effects of DINCH and MINCH on SGBS cells by metabolomics revealed no adipogenic potential at physiologically relevant concentrations. This finding aligns with previous in vivo studies and supports the potential of our method as a New Approach Method (NAM) for the assessment of adipogenic effects of environmental chemicals.

Are the new phthalates safe? Evaluation of Diisononilphtalate (DINP) effects in porcine ovarian cell cultures

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals, widely used in packaging materials and consumer products for several decades. These molecules have raised concerns because of their toxicity and their use have been restricted in several countries. Therefore, novel phthalates have been introduced. Among these, diisononilphtalate (DINP) is widely employed. However, its safety has not been properly addressed. Therefore, using a well validated granulosa cell model, collected from swine ovaries with a translational value, we studied potential DINP effects on important cellular functional parameters. In particular, we studied cell growth, steroidogenesis and redox status. Collected data showed that DINP stimulates (p < 0.05) cell growth, increases estrogen and inhibits progesterone production (p < 0.05), disrupts redox balance stimulating free radicals (p < 0.05) while reducing scavenger activities (p< 0.05). Taken together, DINP's impact on cultured swine granulosa cells provides cause for concern regarding its potential adverse effects on reproductive and endocrine functions.

Exposure to phthalates and their alternatives in relation to biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: evidence from NHANES 2017-2018

Phthalates and their alternatives are considered significant environmental risk factors that potentially influence inflammation and oxidative stress. However, their impact on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress was inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the associations between phthalates and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and white blood cell (WBC) counts, employing both univariate exposure and multivariate co-exposure models. For this analysis, a total of 1619 individuals aged 18 years and above, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and 2018, were selected as subjects. We explored the associations between hsCRP, GGT, and WBC counts and eighteen different phthalate metabolites. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between both MCNP and MEHP and hsCRP. We observed negative correlations of MCOP, MCPP, MHBP, and MONP with GGT. Conversely, MEHHP and MEHHTP exhibited positive correlations with GGT. Furthermore, MECPTP and MEHHTP showed positive correlations with WBC. Notably, we identified a non-linear relationship between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress markers. The Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analysis demonstrated a negative joint effect of the phthalates mixture on GGT, particularly at lower concentrations. The BKMR model also found that MEOHP and MHiBP were negatively associated with GGT. In contrast, MEHHP showed a significant positive association with GGT. Moderating effect analysis suggested that dietary inflammatory index (DII), income-to-poverty ratio (PIR), age, BMI, and physical activity influenced the association between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationships between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress.

A review on solution- and vapor-responsive sensors for the detection of phthalates

Phthalic acid esters, largely referred to as phthalates, are today acknowledged as important pollutants used in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based plastics, whose use extends to almost every aspect of modern life. The risk of exposure to phthalates is particularly relevant as high concentrations are regularly found in drinking water, food-contact materials and medical devices, motivating an immense body of research devoted to methods for their detection in liquid samples. Conversely, phthalate vapors have only recently been acknowledged as potentially important atmospheric pollutants and as early fire indicators; additionally, deposition of these vapors can pose significant problems to the proper functioning of spacecraft and diverse on-board devices, leading to major space agencies recognizing the need of developing vapor-responsive phthalate sensors. In this manuscript we present a literature survey on solution- and vapor-responsive sensors and analytical assays for the detection of phthalates, providing a detailed analysis of a vast array of analytical data to offer a clear idea on the analytical performance (limits of detection and quantification, linear range) and advantages provided by each class of sensor covered in this review (electrochemical, optical and vapor-responsive) in the context of their potential real-life applications; the manuscript also gives detailed fundamental information on the various physicochemical responses exploited by these sensors and assays that could potentially be harnessed by new researchers entering the field.

A review on takeaway packaging waste: Types, ecological impact, and disposal route

Rapid economic growth and urbanization have led to significant changes in the world's consumption patterns. Accelerated urbanization, the spread of the mobile Internet, and the increasing pace of work globally have all contributed to the demand for the food takeaway industry. The rapid development of the takeaway industry inevitably brings convenience to life, and with it comes great environmental pressure from waste packaging materials. While maintaining the convenience of people's lives, further reducing the environmental pollution caused by takeaway packaging materials and promoting the recycling and reuse of takeaway packaging waste need to attract the attention and concern of the whole society. This review systematically and comprehensively introduces common takeaway food types and commonly used packaging materials, analyzes the impacts of discarded takeaway packaging materials on human health and the ecological environment, summarizes the formulation and implementation of relevant policies and regulations, proposes treatment methods and resourceful reuse pathways for discarded takeaway packaging, and also provides an outlook on the development of green takeaway packaging. Currently, only 20% of waste packaging materials are recycled worldwide, and there is still a need to develop more green takeaway packaging materials and continuously improve relevant policies and regulations to promote the sustainable development of the takeaway industry. The review is conducive to further optimizing the takeaway packaging management system, alleviating the environmental pollution problem, and providing feasible solutions and technical guidance for further optimizing takeaway food packaging materials and comprehensive utilization of resources.

Recent Advances in Non-Targeted Screening of Compounds in Plastic-Based/Paper-Based Food Contact Materials

Ensuring the safety of food contact materials has become a pressing concern in recent times. However, detecting hazardous compounds in such materials can be a complex task, and traditional screening methods may not be sufficient. Non-targeted screening technologies can provide comprehensive information on all detectable compounds, thereby supporting the identification, detection, and risk assessment of food contact materials. Nonetheless, the non-targeted screening of food contact materials remains a challenging issue. This paper presents a detailed review of non-targeted screening technologies relying on high-resolution mass spectrometry for plastic-based and paper-based food contact materials over the past five years. Methods of extracting, separating, concentrating, and enriching compounds, as well as migration experiments related to non-targeted screening, are examined in detail. Furthermore, instruments and devices of high-resolution mass spectrometry used in non-targeted screening technologies for food contact materials are discussed and summarized. The research findings aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the risk management of food contact materials and the development of relevant regulations and standards.

Development of Plastic/Gelatin Bilayer Active Packaging Film with Antibacterial and Water-Absorbing Functions for Lamb Preservation

In order to extend the shelf life of refrigerating raw lamb by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, preventing the oxidation of fat and protein, and absorbing the juice outflow of lamb during storage, an active packaging system based on plastic/gelatin bilayer film with essential oil was developed in this study. Three kinds of petroleum-derived plastic films, oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene, were coated with gelatin to make bilayer films for lamb preservation. The results showed significant improvement in the mechanical properties, oxygen, moisture, and light barriers of the bilayer films compared to the gelatin film. The OPP/gelatin bilayer film was selected for further experiments because of its highest acceptance by panelists. If the amount of juice outflow was less than 350% of the mass of the gelatin layer, it was difficult for the gelatin film to separate from lamb. With the increase in essential oil concentration, the water absorption capacity decreased. The OPP/gelatin bilayer films with 20% mustard or 10% oregano essential oils inhibited the growth of bacteria in lamb and displayed better mechanical properties. Essential oil decreased the brightness and light transmittance of the bilayer films and made the film yellow. In conclusion, our results suggested that the active packaging system based on OPP/gelatin bilayer film was more suitable for raw lamb preservation than single-layer gelatin film or petroleum-derived plastic film, but need further study, including minimizing the amount of essential oil, enhancing the mechanical strength of the gelatin film after water absorption.

Mediation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and NF-κB signaling pathway in DINP-exacerbated allergic asthma: A toxicological study with Balb/c mice

Epidemiological evidence indicates a significant relationship between exposure to diisononyl phthalate and allergic asthma. Despite this, the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Previous toxicological researches have suggested that the development of allergic asthma may involve the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) pathways. Nevertheless, it is currently unknown whether these specific signaling pathways are implicated in diisononyl phthalate (DINP)-induced allergic asthma. The objective of this research was to understand how DINP exacerbates allergic asthma in Balb/c mice through ERS and NF-κB pathways. To systematically examine the aggravated effects of DINP in Balb/c mice, we measured airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung tissue pathology, cytokines, and ERS and NF-κB pathway biomarkers. Additionally, we applied the ERS antagonist phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or the NF-κB antagonist pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) to verify the mediating effects of ERS and NF-κB on DINP-exacerbated allergic asthma. The results of our experiment show that oral DINP exposure may exacerbate airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. This deterioration is accompanied by an imbalance in immunoglobulin levels, Th17/Treg cells, ERS, and NF-κB biomarkers, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, our study found that the blocking effect of 4-PBA or PDTC can inhibit the Th17/Treg imbalance and effectively alleviate symptoms resembling allergic asthma. In conclusion, ERS and NF-κB signaling pathways play an important role in regulating DINP-induced allergic asthma exacerbations.

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate potentiates methylglyoxal-induced blood-brain barrier damage via mitochondria-derived oxidative stress and bioenergetic perturbation

Phthalates in contaminated foods and personal care products are one of the most frequently exposed chemicals with a public health concern. Phthalate exposure is related to cardiovascular diseases, including diabetic vascular complications and cerebrovascular diseases, yet the mechanism is still unclear. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity disruption is strongly associated with cardiovascular and neurological disease exacerbation. We investigated BBB damage by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or its metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) using brain endothelial cells and rat models. BBB damage by the subthreshold level of MEHP, but not a DEHP, significantly increased by the presence of methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive dicarbonyl compound whose levels increase in the blood in hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic patients. Significant potentiation in apoptosis and autophagy activation, mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial metabolic disturbance were observed in brain ECs by co-exposure to MG and MEHP. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) restored autophagy activation as well as tight junction protein impairment induced by co-exposure to MG and MEHP. Intraperitoneal administration of MG and MEHP significantly altered mitochondrial membrane potential and tight junction integrity in rat brain endothelium. This study may provide novel insights into enhancing phthalate toxicity in susceptible populations, such as diabetic patients.

Microplastics and plastics-associated contaminants in food and beverages; Global trends, concentrations, and human exposure

Microplastics has become a global concern due to their ubiquitous presence which poses unavoidable human exposure risks. Geographical distribution and yearly trends of research on microplastics, food, and beverages do not exist. Thus, no overall account is available regarding the presence of microplastics and plastics-associated contaminants in food and beverages. Hence, this attempt is to review the geographical distribution of studies through a brief bibliometric analysis and the plastics-associated contaminants including plasticizers and microplastics in food and beverages. Estimated microplastic consumption has been listed for the pool of publications reviewed here. Further, this review discusses the ingestion potency of micropollutants associated with microplastics, possible health impacts, and existing challenges. Global trend in research exponentially increased after 2018 and China is leading. Studies on microplastics were limited to a few beverages and food; milk, beer, tea, refreshing drinks, salt, sugar, honey, etc., whereas seafood and drinking water have been extensively studied. Publications on plastic-additives were reported in two ways; migration of plastic-additives from packaging by leaching and the presence of plastic-additives in food and beverages. Bisphenol A and bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate were the most frequently reported both in food and beverages. Exposure of packaging material to high temperatures predominantly involves plastic-additive contamination in food and beverages. Microplastics-bound micropollutants can also be ingested through food and beverages; however, a lack of knowledge exists. The complex matrix of food or beverages and the absence of standard procedures for analysis of microplastics and micropollutants exist as challenges. More investigations on the presence of microplastics and plastic-additives in food and beverage are urgent needs to a better assessment of potential human exposure and human health risk.