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Food Chemistry Jan 2023Novel chitosan (Ch) films containing choline chloride and citric acid mixture as plasticizer (deep eutectic solvent, DES) and different amounts of quercetin (QUE) as...
Novel chitosan (Ch) films containing choline chloride and citric acid mixture as plasticizer (deep eutectic solvent, DES) and different amounts of quercetin (QUE) as antioxidant additive were prepared. Physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the developed Ch/DES/QUE films were studied using FTIR, SEM, and AFM techniques. FTIR spectra revealed the possible interactions between all the components. The surface of the films was dense and rough. The addition of quercetin caused an increase in the tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus, but significantly decreased the elongation at break. The films containing quercetin showed improved antioxidant activity in relation to Ch/DES film. Finally, the oxidation phenomena of rapeseed oils with and without chitosan films were evaluated as amounts of primary and secondary oxidation products and total oxidation index. The addition of Ch/DES films with quercetin to oil samples successfully retarded secondary lipid oxidation processes and improved its antioxidant activity under the accelerated storage condition.
Topics: Antioxidants; Chitosan; Food Packaging; Plasticizers; Quercetin; Tensile Strength
PubMed: 35998489
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133934 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2022Non-destructive spectroscopic analysis combined with machine learning rapidly provides information on the identity and content of plasticizers in PVC objects of heritage...
Non-destructive spectroscopic analysis combined with machine learning rapidly provides information on the identity and content of plasticizers in PVC objects of heritage value. For the first time, a large and diverse collection of more than 100 PVC objects in different degradation stages and of diverse chemical compositions was analysed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to create a dataset used to construct classification and regression models. Accounting for this variety makes the model more robust and reliable for the analysis of objects in museum collections. Six different machine learning classification algorithms were compared to determine the algorithm with the highest classification accuracy of the most common plasticizers, based solely on the spectroscopic data. A classification model capable of the identification of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, a mixture of diisononyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate, and unplasticized PVC was constructed. Additionally, regression models for quantification of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate in PVC were built. This study of real-life objects demonstrates that classification and quantification of plasticizers in a general collection of degraded PVC objects is possible, providing valuable data to collection managers.
Topics: Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Machine Learning; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Polyvinyl Chloride; Spectrum Analysis
PubMed: 35322097
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08862-1 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Mar 2013Phthalate diesters, widely used in flexible plastics and consumer products, have become prevalent contaminants in the environment. Human exposure is ubiquitous and... (Review)
Review
Phthalate diesters, widely used in flexible plastics and consumer products, have become prevalent contaminants in the environment. Human exposure is ubiquitous and higher phthalate metabolite concentrations documented in patients using medications with phthalate-containing slow release capsules raises concerns for potential health effects. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that phthalate exposure can modulate circulating hormone concentrations and thus may be able to adversely affect reproductive physiology and the development of estrogen sensitive target tissues. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the epidemiological and experimental animal literature examining the relationship between phthalate exposure and adverse female reproductive health outcomes. The epidemiological literature is sparse for most outcomes studied and plagued by small sample size, methodological weaknesses, and thus fails to support a conclusion of an adverse effect of phthalate exposure. Despite a paucity of experimental animal studies for several phthalates, we conclude that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that phthalates are reproductive toxicants. However, we note that the concentrations needed to induce adverse health effects are high compared to the concentrations measured in contemporary human biomonitoring studies. We propose that the current patchwork of studies, potential for additive effects and evidence of adverse effects of phthalate exposure in subsequent generations and at lower concentrations than in the parental generation support the need for further study.
Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Embryonic Development; Endometriosis; Esters; Female; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Reproduction
PubMed: 23405971
DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2013.766149 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Research :... Apr 2018Plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) can leach from medical devices such as blood storage bags and the tubing. Recently, epidemiological studies showed that...
Plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) can leach from medical devices such as blood storage bags and the tubing. Recently, epidemiological studies showed that phthalate metabolites levels in the urine are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. The detailed effect and mechanism of DEHP on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis, and bone loss remain to be clarified. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of DEHP and its active metabolite mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis. The in vitro study showed that osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was significantly and dose-dependently decreased by DEHP and MEHP (10-100 µM) without cytotoxicity to BMSCs. The mRNA expressions of alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), Wnt1, and β-catenin were significantly decreased in DEHP- and MEHP-treated BMSCs during differentiation. MEHP, but not DEHP, significantly increased the adipocyte differentiation of BMSCs and PPARγ mRNA expression. Both DEHP and MEHP significantly increased the ratios of phosphorylated β-catenin/β-catenin and inhibited osteoblastogenesis, which could be reversed by Wnt activator lithium chloride and PPARγ inhibitor T0070907. Moreover, exposure of mice to DEHP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) for 8 weeks altered BMD and microstructure. In BMSCs isolated from DEHP-treated mice, osteoblastogenesis and Runx2, Wnt1, and β-catenin expression were decreased, but adipogenesis and PPARγ expression were increased. These findings suggest that DEHP and its metabolite MEHP exposure may inhibit osteoblastogenesis and promote adipogenesis of BMSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin-regulated and thus triggering bone loss. PPARγ signaling may play an important role in MEHP- and DEHP-induced suppression of osteogenesis. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1124-1134, 2018.
Topics: Adipogenesis; Animals; Cell Survival; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Gene Expression; Male; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice, Inbred ICR; Osteoblasts; Osteogenesis; PPAR gamma; Plasticizers; Wnt Signaling Pathway
PubMed: 28921615
DOI: 10.1002/jor.23740 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jul 2021The population is constantly exposed to potentially harmful substances present in the environment, including inter alia food and drinking water, consumer products, and... (Review)
Review
The population is constantly exposed to potentially harmful substances present in the environment, including inter alia food and drinking water, consumer products, and indoor air. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a valuable tool to determine the integral, internal exposure of the general population, including vulnerable subgroups, to provide the basis for risk assessment and policy advice. The German HBM system comprises of five pillars: (1) the development of suitable analytical methods for new substances of concern, (2) cross-sectional population-representative German Environmental Surveys (GerES), (3) time trend analyses using archived samples from the Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB), (4) the derivation of health-based guidance values as a risk assessment tool, and (5) transfer of data into the European cooperation network HBM4EU. The goal of this paper is to present the complementary elements of the German HBM system and to show its strengths and limitations on the example of plasticizers. Plasticizers have been identified by EU services and HBM4EU partners as priority substances for chemical policy at EU level. Using the complementary elements of the German HBM system, the internal exposure to classical phthalates and novel alternative plasticizers can be reliably monitored. It is shown that market changes, due to regulation of certain phthalates and the rise of substitutes, are rapidly reflected in the internal exposure of the population. It was shown that exposure to DEHP, DiBP, DnBP, and BBzP decreased considerably, whereas exposure to the novel substitutes such as DPHP, DEHTP, and Hexamoll®DINCH has increased significantly. While health-based guidance values for several phthalates (esp. DnBP, DiBP, DEHP) were exceeded quite often at the turn of the millennium, exceedances today have become rarer. Still, also the latest GerES reveals the ubiquitous and concurrent exposures to many plasticizers. Of concern is that the youngest children showed the highest exposures to most of the investigated plasticizers and in some cases their levels of DiBP and DnBP still exceeded health-based guidance values. Over the last years, mixture exposures are increasingly recognized as relevant, especially if the toxicological modes of action are similar. This is supported by a cumulative risk assessment for four endocrine active phthalates which confirms the still concerning cumulative exposure in many young children. Given the adverse health effects of some phthalates and the limited toxicological knowledge of substitutes, exposure reduction and surveillance are needed on German and EU-level. Substitutes need to be monitored, to intervene if exposures are threatening to exceed acceptable levels, or if new toxicological data question their appropriateness. It is strongly recommended to reconsider the use of plastics and plasticizers.
Topics: Biological Monitoring; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34126298
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113780 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Jun 2023Phthalate esters (PEs) are the most widely used class of plasticizers. Several PEs, however, were found to have adverse effects on the health of animals. A new...
Phthalate esters (PEs) are the most widely used class of plasticizers. Several PEs, however, were found to have adverse effects on the health of animals. A new phthalate-free plasticizer, Eco-DEHCH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate), was recently developed as an ecofriendly replacement for phthalate plasticizers and to be less harmful to organisms. The present study evaluated the long-term toxicity of Eco-DEHCH in Wistar Han rats to explore adverse effects and predict hazardous potential to humans. Forty male and forty female Wistar Han rats were exposed to Eco-DEHCH in dietary feed for 52 weeks, and their hematologic, coagulation, and serum biochemical parameters were monitored. The rats were subjected to close clinical, ophthalmic, and histopathologic examinations and urinalysis throughout the consumption of Eco-DEHCH. The effects of this plasticizer on food consumption and organ weight were also determined. Chronic exposure to Eco-DEHCH was generally safe, although it also resulted in α-globulin accumulation, a parameter with no human relevance. In conclusion, Eco-DEHCH can serve as a safe and promising alternative plasticizer.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rats; Female; Animals; Plasticizers; Rats, Wistar; Phthalic Acids; Carboxylic Acids; Cyclohexanes; Esters; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Diethylhexyl Phthalate
PubMed: 37137465
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113809 -
Journal of the Formosan Medical... Nov 2011In May 2011, the illegal use of the phthalate plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in clouding agents for use in foods and beverages was reported in Taiwan. This food... (Review)
Review
In May 2011, the illegal use of the phthalate plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in clouding agents for use in foods and beverages was reported in Taiwan. This food scandal has caused shock and panic among the majority of Taiwanese people and has attracted international attention. Phthalate exposure is assessed by ambient monitoring or human biomonitoring. Ambient monitoring relies on measuring chemicals in environmental media, foodstuff and consumer products. Human biomonitoring determines body burden by measuring the chemicals, their metabolites or specific reaction products in human specimens. In mammalian development, the fetus is set to develop into a female. Because the female phenotype is the default, impairment of testosterone production or action before the late phase may lead to feminizing characteristics. Phthalates disrupt the development of androgen-dependent structures by inhibiting fetal testicular testosterone biosynthesis. The spectrum of effects obtained following perinatal exposure of male rats to phthalates has remarkable similarities with the human testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Epidemiological studies have suggested associations between phthalate exposure and shorter gestational age, shorter anogenital distance, shorter penis, incomplete testicular descent, sex hormone alteration, precocious puberty, pubertal gynecomastia, premature thelarche, rhinitis, eczema, asthma, low birth weight, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, low intelligence quotient, thyroid hormone alteration, and hypospadias in infants and children. Furthermore, many studies have suggested associations between phthalate exposure and increased sperm DNA damage, decreased proportion of sperm with normal morphology, decreased sperm concentration, decreased sperm morphology, sex hormone alteration, decreased pulmonary function, endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, breast cancer, obesity, hyperprolactinemia, and thyroid hormone alteration in adults. Finally, the number of phthalate-related scientific publications from Taiwan has increased greatly over the past 5 years, which may reflect the health effects from the illegal addition of phthalate plasticizer to clouding agent in foodstuff over the past two decades.
Topics: Animals; Beverages; Body Burden; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Environmental Monitoring; Female; Fetus; Food Safety; Humans; Male; Models, Animal; Plasticizers; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 22118310
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2011.09.002 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an attractive candidate for replacing petrochemical polymers because it is fully biodegradable. This study investigated the potential of PLA...
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an attractive candidate for replacing petrochemical polymers because it is fully biodegradable. This study investigated the potential of PLA as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative material that can be developed into commercially viable wearable mosquito repellent devices with desirable characteristics. PLA strands containing DEET and IR3535 were prepared by twin screw extrusion compounding and simultaneously functioned as plasticizers for the polymer. The plasticizing effect was investigated by thermal and rheological studies. DSC studies showed that the addition of DEET and IR3535 into PLA strands reduced the glass transition temperature consistent with predictions of the Fox equation, thus proving their efficiency as plasticizers. The rheology of molten samples of neat PLA and PLA/repellents blends, evaluated at 200 °C, was consistent with shear-thinning pseudoplastic behaviour. Raman studies revealed a nonlinear concentration gradient for DEET in the PLA strand, indicating non-Fickian Type II transport controlling the desorption process. Release data obtained at 50 °C showed initial rapid release followed by a slower, near constant rate at longer times. The release rate data were fitted to a novel modification of the Peppas-Sahlin desorption model.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Insect Repellents; Plasticizers; Polyesters; Polymers; Rheology; Temperature
PubMed: 34641433
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195890 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Sep 2023The in-situ formation of nanoparticles from polymer-based solid medicines, although previously described, has been overlooked despite its potential to interfere with...
The in-situ formation of nanoparticles from polymer-based solid medicines, although previously described, has been overlooked despite its potential to interfere with oral drug bioavailability. Such polymeric pharmaceuticals are becoming increasingly common on the market and can become even more popular due to the dizzying advance of 3D printing medicines. Hence, this work aimed to study this phenomenon during the dissolution of 3D printed tablets produced with three different polymers, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and Eudragit RL PO® (EUD RL) combined with plasticizers and the model drug naringenin (NAR). The components' interaction, dissolution behavior, and characteristics of the formed particles were investigated employing thermal, spectroscopic, mechanical, and chromatographic assays. All the systems generated stable spherical-shaped particles throughout 24 h, encapsulating over 25% of NAR. Results suggest encapsulation efficiencies variations may depend on interactions between polymer-drug, drug-plasticizer, and polymer-plasticizer, which formed stable nanoparticles even in the drug absence, as observed with the HPMCAS and EUD RL formulations. Additionally, components solubility in the medium and previous formulation treatments are also a decisive factor for nanoparticle formation. In particular, the treatment provided by hot-melt extrusion and FDM 3D printing affected the dissolution efficiency enhancing the interaction between the components, reverberating on particle size and particle formation kinetics mainly for HPMCAS and EUD RL. In conclusion, the 3D printing process influences the in-situ formation of nanoparticles, which can directly affect oral drug bioavailability and needs to be monitored.
Topics: Drug Liberation; Plasticizers; Polymers; Solubility; Tablets; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Technology, Pharmaceutical
PubMed: 37406970
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106517 -
AAPS PharmSciTech Feb 2016Thermal processing of amorphous solid dispersions continues to gain interest in the pharmaceutical industry, as evident by several recently approved commercial products.... (Review)
Review
Thermal processing of amorphous solid dispersions continues to gain interest in the pharmaceutical industry, as evident by several recently approved commercial products. Still, a number of pharmaceutical polymer carriers exhibit thermal or viscoelastic limitations in thermal processing, especially at smaller scales. Additionally, active pharmaceutical ingredients with high melting points and/or that are thermally labile present their own specific challenges. This review will outline a number of formulation and process-driven strategies to enable thermal processing of challenging compositions. These include the use of traditional plasticizers and surfactants, temporary plasticizers utilizing sub- or supercritical carbon dioxide, designer polymers tailored for hot-melt extrusion processing, and KinetiSol® Dispersing technology. Recent case studies of each strategy will be described along with potential benefits and limitations.
Topics: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Hot Temperature; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Plasticizers; Polymers; Surface-Active Agents
PubMed: 26307759
DOI: 10.1208/s12249-015-0393-y