Detection and Identification of Leachables in Vaccine from Plastic Packaging Materials Using UPLC-QTOF MS with Self-Built Polymer Additives Library

Screening the release of chemicals and microplastic particles from diverse plastic consumer products into water under accelerated UV weathering conditions

Photodegradation of plastic consumer products is known to accelerate weathering and facilitate the release of chemicals and plastic particles into the aquatic environment. However, these processes are complex. In our presented pilot study, eight plastic consumer products were leached in distilled water under strong ultraviolet (UV) light simulating eight months of Central European climate and compared to their respective dark controls (DCs). The leachates and formed plastic particles were exploratorily characterized using a range of chemical analytical tools to describe degradation and leaching processes. These techniques covered (a) microplastic analysis, showing substantial liberation of plastic particles further increased under UV exposure, (b) non-targeted mass spectrometric characterization of the leachates, revealing several hundreds of chemical features with typically only minor agreement between the UV exposure and the corresponding DCs, (c) target analysis of 71 organic analytes, of which 15 could be detected in at least one sample, and (d) metal(loid) analysis, which revealed substantial release of toxic metal(loid)s further enhanced under UV exposure. A data comparison with the US-EPA's ToxVal and ToxCast databases showed that the detected metals and organic additives might pose substantial health and environmental concerns, requiring further study and comprehensive impact assessments.

Identification of nonvolatile organic compounds (NVOCs) in biopharmaceuticals through non-target analysis and quantification using complexation-precipitation extraction

Single-use systems in biopharmaceutical manufacturing can potentially release chemical constituents (leachables) into drug products. Prior to conducting toxicological risk assessments, it is crucial to establish the qualitative and quantitative methods for these leachables. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive screening and structure elucidation of 23 leachables (nonvolatile organic compounds, NVOCs) in two antibody drugs using multiple (self-built and public) databases and mass spectral simulation. We identified 7 compounds that have not been previously reported in medical or medicinal extractables and leachables. The confidence levels for identified compounds were classified based on analytical standards, literature references, and fragment assignments. Most of the identified leachables were found to be plasticizers, antioxidants, slip agents or polymer degradants. Polysorbate (namely Tween) is commonly used as an excipient for protein stabilization in biopharmaceutical formulations, but its ionization in liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry can interfere with compound quantification. To address this, we employed a complexation-precipitation extraction method to reduce polysorbate content and quantify the analytes. The developed quantitative method for target NVOCs demonstrated high sensitivity (limit of quantification: 20 or 50 μg/L), accuracy (recoveries: 77.2 to 109.5 %) and precision (RSD ≤ 8.2 %). Overall, this established method will facilitate the evaluation of NVOC safety in drug products.

Heteroaggregation of virions and microplastics reduces the number of active bacteriophages in aqueous environments

The objective of this study is to explore the effects of microplastics on the viability of the bacteriophages in an aqueous environment. Bacteriophages (phages), that is, viruses of bacteria, are essential in homeostasis. It is estimated that phages cause up to 40% of the death of all bacteria daily. Any factor affecting phage activity is vital for the whole food chain and the ecology of numerous niches. We hypothesize that the number of active phages decreases due to the virions' adsorption on microplastic particles or by the released leachables from additives used in the production of plastic, for example, stabilizers, plasticizers, colorants, and reinforcements. We exposed three diverse phages, namely, T4 (tailed), MS2 (icosahedral), and M13 (filamentous), to 1 mg/mL suspension of 12 industrial-grade plastics [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-impact polystyrene, poly-ε-caproamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride] shredded to obtain microparticles of radius ranging from 2 to 50 μm. The effect of leachables was measured upon exposure of phages not to particles themselves but to the buffer preincubated with microplastics. A double-overlay plaque counting method was used to assess phage titers. We employed a classical linear regression model to verify which physicochemical parameters (65 variables were tested) govern the decrease of phage titers. The key finding is that adsorption mechanisms result in up to complete scavenging of virions, whereas leachables deactivate up to 50% of phages. This study reveals microplastic pollution's plausible and unforeseen ecotoxicological effect causing phage deactivation. Moreover, phage transmission through adsorption can alter the balance of the food chain in the new environment. The effect depends mainly on the zeta potentials of the polymers and the phage type.

Chemical Characterization and Non-targeted Analysis of Medical Device Extracts: A Review of Current Approaches, Gaps, and Emerging Practices

The developers of medical devices evaluate the biocompatibility of their device prior to FDA's review and subsequent introduction to the market. Chemical characterization, described in ISO 10993-18:2020, can generate information for toxicological risk assessment and is an alternative approach for addressing some biocompatibility end points (e.g., systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity) that can reduce the time and cost of testing and the need for animal testing. Additionally, chemical characterization can be used to determine whether modifications to the materials and manufacturing processes alter the chemistry of a patient-contacting device to an extent that could impact device safety. Extractables testing is one approach to chemical characterization that employs combinations of non-targeted analysis, non-targeted screening, and/or targeted analysis to establish the identities and quantities of the various chemical constituents that can be released from a device. Due to the difficulty in obtaining a priori information on all the constituents in finished devices, information generation strategies in the form of analytical chemistry testing are often used. Identified and quantified extractables are then assessed using toxicological risk assessment approaches to determine if reported quantities are sufficiently low to overcome the need for further chemical analysis, biological evaluation of select end points, or risk control. For extractables studies to be useful as a screening tool, comprehensive and reliable non-targeted methods are needed. Although non-targeted methods have been adopted by many laboratories, they are laboratory-specific and require expensive analytical instruments and advanced technical expertise to perform. In this Perspective, we describe the elements of extractables studies and provide an overview of the current practices, identified gaps, and emerging practices that may be adopted on a wider scale in the future. This Perspective is outlined according to the steps of an extractables study: information gathering, extraction, extract sample processing, system selection, qualification, quantification, and identification.

Chemical characteristics and toxicological effects of leachates from plastics under simulated seawater and fish digest

In recent years, the ecological risks of plastics to marine environments and organisms have attracted increasing attention, especially the leachates from plastics. However, a comprehensive knowledge about the leaching characteristics and subsequent toxicological effects of leachates is still sparse. In this study, 15 different plastic products were immersed in simulated seawater and fish digest for 16 h. The leachates were analyzed through non-target and target analyses and their toxicological signatures were assessed by bioassays. In total, 240 additives were identified from the plastic leachates, among which plasticizers represented the most (16.7%), followed by antioxidants (8.7%) and flame retardants (7.1%). Approximately 40% of plastic leachates exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the bioluminescence using a recombinant luminescent assay. In addition, both the hyperactive and hypoactive behaviors were displayed in the larvae of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) exposed to some plastic leachates. In general, the number and amount of identified compounds under simulated fish digest were less than those under simulated seawater. However, the simulated fish digest leachates triggered higher toxicity. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that identified additives did not adequately explain the toxicological effects. Future research should focus on the identification of more additives in the plastic leachates and their potential ecological risks.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Low-Molecular-Weight Phenols Liberated from Plastics

The abundant and heterogeneous distribution of toxic phenol from plastics has drawn worldwide attention. However, the common analysis methods failed to identify the accurate species of these phenolic hazards from plastics in a direct and nondestructive approach. Herein, we demonstrate the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as a novel matrix in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) for low-molecular-weight phenols leaked from plastics. LDHs own abundant hydroxyl groups to facilitate chemoselectivity and ionization of phenols through the formation of hydrogen bonds with these phenols. More importantly, the LDH matrix could provide a distinguishable signal for the homolog and isomeride of these phenolic hazards. The developed method could realize nondestructive and in situ mapping of phenolic hazards in plastics. Our success could help to track the low-molecular-weight compounds liberated from plastics and supply spatial information for polluted plastics. We anticipated that the proposed approach could provide sufficient information to evaluate and alarm the safety of food packaging plastics.

Adsorption of bacteriophages on polypropylene labware affects the reproducibility of phage research

Hydrophobicity is one of the most critical factors governing the adsorption of molecules and objects, such as virions, on surfaces. Even moderate change of wetting angle of plastic surfaces causes a drastic decrease ranging from 2 to 5 logs of the viruses (e.g., T4 phage) in the suspension due to adsorption on polymer vials' walls. The effect varies immensely in seemingly identical containers but purchased from different vendors. Comparison of glass, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene containers revealed a threshold in the wetting angle of around 95°: virions adsorb on the surface of more hydrophobic containers, while in more hydrophilic vials, phage suspensions are stable. The polypropylene surface of the Eppendorf-type and Falcon-type can accommodate from around 10⁸ PFU/ml to around 10¹⁰ PFU/ml from the suspension. The adsorption onto the container’s wall might result in complete scavenging of virions from the bulk. We developed two methods to overcome this issue. The addition of surfactant Tween20 and/or plasma treatment provides a remedy by modulating surface wettability and inhibiting virions' adsorption. Plastic containers are essential consumables in the daily use of many bio-laboratories. Thus, this is important not only for phage-related research (e.g., the use of phage therapies as an alternative for antibiotics) but also for data comparison and reproducibility in the field of biochemistry and virology.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction Combined with Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Determination of Extractables to Evaluate Compatibility of Drugs with Rubber Closures

Biological activity and pharmacological efficacy of protein drugs may be affected by the compatibility between drug and packaging materials. The compatibility of rubber closures seal cap has become the focus of many studies due to its complicated formulation. Despite of the significance of the issue, currently, there is little available data about organic leachables in drugs which is also not comprehensive. Since the concentration of migrants in drug is usually low and the matrix is complicated, the establishment of overall profile of extractables is crucial for the characterization of leachables. Herein, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method was used because of its great extraction capacity and efficiency for low to medium polar extractables in rubber stoppers. The SFE conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental results of the extract yield were close to the predicted values (R² = 0.95). Then the extractables were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS). Finally, risk assessment was made by comparing predicted exposure with injection permitted daily exposure (pPDE) limit or threshold recommended by threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). The results showed that there are many extractables such as glyceride, fatty acids and derivatives, antioxidants, and degradation products. Among them degradation products were in the majority and content of 17 substances exceeded corresponding limits. Considering their unknown toxicology, more experiments are therefore needed to provide information on their toxicology and risk assessment. The study provides a reference for the compatibility of drugs, and quality supervision of pharmaceuticals packaging.

Metabolomics Analysis of the Effect of Glutamic Acid on Monacolin K Synthesis in Monascus purpureus

Monacolin K is a secondary metabolite produced by Monascus with beneficial effects on health, including the ability to lower cholesterol. We previously showed that the yield of monacolin K was significantly improved when glutamic acid was added to the fermentation broth of Monascus purpureus M1. In this study, we analyzed M. purpureus in media with and without glutamic acid supplementation using a metabolomic profiling approach to identify key metabolites and metabolic pathway differences. A total of 817 differentially expressed metabolites were identified between the two fermentation broths on day 8 of fermentation. Pathway analysis of these metabolites using the KEGG database indicated overrepresentation of the citric acid cycle; biotin metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathways. Six differentially expressed metabolites were found to be related to the citric acid cycle. The effect of citric acid as an exogenous additive on the synthesis of monacolin K was examined. These results provide technical support and a theoretical basis for further studies of the metabolic regulatory mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of monacolin K and medium optimization, as well as genetic engineering of Monascus M1 for efficient monacolin K production.

Screening for extractables in additive-manufactured acrylonitrile butadiene styrene orthopedic cast

The use of additive-manufactured components in medical applications, specifically medical devices (e.g., orthopedic casts), has increased in recent years. Such devices may be fabricated at the point of care using consumer-grade additive manufacturing. Limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the extractable substances of these devices. Chemical characterization followed by toxicological risk assessment is one means of evaluating safety of devices. This study was designed to determine the extractables profile of additive-manufactured materials according to filament grade and post-processing method. Feedstocks for additive manufacturing were tested as filament and manufactured casts, while the cast from consumer-grade filament (CGF) was post-processed. Samples were extracted using three solvents of varying polarities. Extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques. In GC/MS analysis, isopropanol extracts generated fewer compound identifications for USP Class VI filament (USPF)-based casts (3) compared with the respective filament (17) while hexane generated the most compound identifications for the finished cast manufactured from CGF. CGF was found to have the highest number of nonvolatile extractables for isopropanol (15) and hexane (34) by positive ion LC/MS. Additionally, CGF produced more non-polar extractables in hexane than the USPF. A known polymer byproduct and potential genotoxicant, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) trimer, was one of the compounds identified in both GC/MS and LC/MS at quantities ranging from 19 to 270 μg g^-1. Overall these results suggested that the extractables profile was affected by the filament material, printing procedure, and post-processing method.

Identification of Potential Extractablesand Leachables in Cosmetic Plastic Packagingby Microchambers-Thermal Extraction and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Most container-content interaction studies are carried out through migration tests on end products or simulants involving generally toxic solvents. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying potential leachables from materials used in cosmetic plastic packaging by using two approaches based on solvent-free extraction, i.e., solid-phase microextraction sampling and pyrolyzer/thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Volatile and semi-volatile intentionally and non-intentionally added substances were detected in seven packaging samples made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. Thirty-five compounds related to the polymers industry or packaging industry were identified, among them phthalates, alkanes, styrene, and cyanide derivates including degradation products, impurities, additives, plasticizers, and monomers. All except eight belong to the Cramer class I. These thermodesorption techniques are complementary to those used for migration tests.

The role of mass spectrometry and related techniques in the analysis of extractable and leachable chemicals

In addition to degradation products, impurities, and exogenous contaminants, industries such as pharmaceutical, food, and others must concern themselves with leachables. These chemicals can derive from containers and closures or migrate from labels or secondary containers and packaging to make their way into products. Identification and quantification of extractables (potential leachables) and leachables, typically trace level analytes, is a regulatory expectation intended to ensure consumer safety and product fidelity. Mass spectrometry and related techniques have played a significant role in the analysis of extractables and leachables (E&L). This review provides an overview of how mass spectrometry is used for E&L studies, primarily in the context of the pharmaceutical industry. This review includes work flows, examples of how identification and quantification is done, and the importance of orthogonal data from several different detectors. E&L analyses are driven by the need for consumer safety. These studies are expected to expand in existing areas (e.g., food, textiles, toys, etc.) and into new, currently unregulated product areas. Thus, this topic is of interest to audiences beyond just the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Finally, the potential of universal detector approaches used in other areas is suggested as an opportunity to drive E&L research progress in this arguably understudied, under-published realm.

Application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop for the determination of extractables from pharmaceutical packaging materials

A new method was established for the determination of the extractables from pharmaceutical packaging materials using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS). Packaging samples were filled with three kinds of buffer solutions: acid buffer (pH = 3), alkaline buffer (pH = 9) and 0.9% NaCl solution to extract as many extractables as possible, and then the extractables in buffer solutions were enriched by DLLME-SFO technique. Parameters affecting the efficiency of the extraction procedure were evaluated and optimized, including the type and volume of dispersant, extractant volume, pH and vortex-mixing time. After optimization, the values obtained for limits of detection and quantification for three kinds of common antioxidants were 0.3 and 1.0 μg/L respectively, and good linearity (R² > 0.99) was observed in their respective concentration ranges. The recoveries ranged from 80.61% to 117.87% at three spiked levels with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 0.92% and 9.29% (n = 6) in all three buffer solutions. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of extractables from pharmaceutical packaging materials. The results indicated that the proposed procedure is a novel, sensitive, fast and repeatable method and has a great significance for evaluation of safety of pharmaceutical packaging materials.

Interactions Between Biological Products and Product Packaging and Potential Approaches to Overcome Them

Biological products such as protein-based biopharmaceuticals are playing an important role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. The interaction between biological products and packaging materials has become the focus of many studies since it can reduce the effectiveness of biological products. These interactions are heavily influenced by the surface properties and physicochemical nature of the therapeutic agents and the packaging materials. Therefore, it is critical to understand the interactions between packaging materials and biological products in order to design biocompatible packaging materials and develop approaches to minimize adverse interactions. We describe the interactions that occur when using several common packaging materials, including glass and polymer. We discuss the interaction between these materials and biological products such as blood, blood derivatives, recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapeutics. We also summarize approaches for overcoming these interactions. Understanding the interactions between biological materials and packaging materials is critical for the development of novel packaging materials that improve the safety of pharmaceutical products.

Regulatory Efficacy of the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Microalgae Spirulina platensis on Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet Rats

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo-diode array detector and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry was employed to analyze the major fatty acids in Spirulina platensis 95% ethanol extract (SPL95). The effects of SPL95 on hepatoprotection were evaluated, including liver tissue histopathology, liver, and serum biochemical analysis. The active principle of SPL95 revealed a hypolipidemic effect, as indicated by down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, acetyl CoA carboxylase pathway, and upregulating adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α in liver. SPL95 enriched the beneficial bacteria, including Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Porphyromonadaceae, Barnesiella, and Paraprevotella. Treatment with SPL95 led to a decrease in microbes, such as Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Phascolarctobacterium, Olsenella, and Clostridium XVIII, which were positively correlated with serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but negatively correlated with the serum high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These results provide evidence that the fatty acid from SPL95 may be used as a novel adjuvant therapy and functional food to regulate gut microbiota in obese and diabetic individuals.

Toxicity assessment of the extractables from multi-layer coextrusion poly ethylene bags exposed to pH=5 solution containing 4% benzyl alcohol and 0.1 M sodium acetate

A non-target analysis was developed for the analysis of extractables from multi-layer coextrusion bags exposed to 4% benzyl alcohol solution and 0.1 M sodium acetate at pH = 5 for defined periods (15 day, 45 day and 90 day) according to manufacturer instructions based on the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS). In order to confirm the extractables, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to indicate the differences among samples of different periods. Then, the extractables were identified based on searching the self-built library or online searching. The total content of extractables of 90 day samples was 589.78 μg/L, and the content was in the range of acceptable levels for pharmaceutical manufacturers. The risk assessment of the extractables were evaluated by Toxtree and T.E.S.T. software to avoid the animals bioexperiment.

Establishment of a reference standard database for use in the qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical contact materials within an extractables survey by GC-MS

The analysis of reference standards may be performed to enhance the qualitative and quantitative data generated by non-specific screening methods utilized in extractables studies performed on pharmaceutical contact materials. However, the establishment of a database containing relative response factor and retention index values obtained from these standards has not been published. In this study, the establishment of such a database for GC-MS, a methodology commonly included in extractables studies, on an intra-lab basis was investigated. A set of 154 organic compounds representing a diverse range of chemical functionalities and properties was analyzed at eight time points on four GC-MS instruments that represent the diversity of age and model at our laboratory. The results of this study have shown that any variance in relative response factor between instruments was not significant from a practical perspective as supported by the coefficient of variation values (n = 32), which were ≤15% and ≤10% for 75% and 45% of the compounds tested, respectively. Furthermore, the retention index of the compounds, as expressed by retention time and relative retention time, did not have more than a 2% coefficient of variation between instruments or columns in most cases. It was concluded that a database of these values could be established for future use in extractables studies on an intra-laboratory basis.