Capillary electrophoresis as a main pillar for the characterisation of nanoplastics released from single-use and reusable plastic drinking bottles

Project Information

CE4Plastics

Grant agreement ID: 101059423

DOI

10.3030/101059423

Project closed

EC signature date 16 June 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 31 August 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 175 920,00

Coordinated by

VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V.
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CE4Plastics (Capillary electrophoresis as a main pillar for the characterisation of nanoplastics released from single-use and reusable plastic drinking bottles)

Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This Marie Skłodowska Curie Action (MSCA) action is titled “Capillary electrophoresis as a main pillar for the characterisation of nanoplastics released from single-use and reusable plastic drinking bottles”.
With the advent of industrialization and the widespread use of plastic for various applications, our ecosystems, food chains, and numerous animal and plant species have become increasingly exposed to plastics and their degradation products. These plastics exist in different sizes, notably microplastics (MPs, 1-20 μm) and nanoplastics (NPs, 1 nm-1 μm). Recent research has highlighted the pervasive presence of MPs in bottled mineral water worldwide. However, current analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, fall short in detecting NPs. NPs pose a significant health risk because they can cross biological barriers and cell membranes, making their presence in bottled water a serious concern. To address this issue, it is essential to develop and standardize methods, procedures, and protocols for the accurate and reproducible sampling, preconcentration, characterization, and quantitative detection of NPs in plastic bottles.
The mission of this project was twofold: first, to raise awareness among consumers about the health risks associated with NPs in bottled water, and second, to drive a global reduction in plastic consumption within the framework of a circular economy. Additionally, the findings of this research were intended to be instrumental for the industry in designing plastic bottles with reduced NPs leaching, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and environmental sustainability.
The overall objective of CE4Plastics project was to advance the-state-of-the-art approaches for identification and quantification of NPs by developing a capillary electrophoresis (CE) based methodology for characterisation of NPs released from single-use and reusable plastic water bottles. Another goal of the MSCA Individual Fellowship was to foster the development of the individual researcher.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In this project, the objectives and goals have been addressed via five specific work packages: (WP1) separations and characterisation of NP dispersions; (WP2) research on using multiple methods to evaluate engineering education; (WP3) sampling, preconcentration and sample treatment; (WP4) training and transfer of knowledge; and (WP5) dissemination, exploitation and communication. A brief explanation of WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP4 is given below.

WP1: This WP was focused on three main objectives: the preparation of nanoparticle dispersions, their separation via electrophoretic analysis, and component identification using a CE-MS (Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry) coupling arrangement. Under WP1, the fellow has two journal manuscripts in progress using the data collected in these tasks.

WP2: This WP covered the development of the procedure for correct and reproducible sampling, preconcentration and sample treatment to obtain the highest possible NP concentrations to achieve low detection limits. Under WP2, the fellow has produced one data set.

WP3: This WP covered the study of the release of NPs from plastic bottles in water as a function of time and external factors. Simultaneously these activities contribute to the validation of the developed method and procedure in WP1 and WP2. Under WP3, the fellow has two journal manuscripts in progress using the data collected in these tasks.

WP4: This WP covered the activities related to fellow’s training and Transfer of Knowledge between the fellow and host in a bidirectional way. The intention of WP4 was to increase the fellow's research skills and encourage him to share his own knowledge and skills with others. As a result of this, the fellow received training from VITO on nanoplastics and instrumental techniques for their detection. The fellow has, in turn, trained members of VITO's analyst team in DLS and members of VITO's research team in capillary electrophoresis.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

WP1: The first journal manuscript submitted for review under WP1 informs the scientific community about the discrepancies between techniques namely capillary electrophoresis and laser doppler velocimetry to measure electrophoretic mobility, a unique parameter acquired by both techniques, in order to discuss practical considerations in experimental design prior to analysis. This scientific article has been submitted for consideration in Electrophoresis, a second-quartile journal with an impact factor of 3.0 (2023), edited by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
The second journal manuscript submitted for review under WP1 reports results obtained after coupling CE to Orbitrap with the DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization source. The data was achieved through CE-MS training at VU Amsterdam. This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytical Chemistry, a first-quartile journal with an impact factor of 6.7 (2023), edited by American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications.

WP2: The fellow has produced one data set comparing the filtration of cross-flow method through a 20 nm membrane (Anodisc) and another 100 nm (Durapore). Results are expressed in quantification of Eu in the EuPS by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytical Chemistry.

WP3: Closely related to this project is the work that GOAL group (Specialised Organic and Inorganic Analyses Laboratory) from VITO has done with undergraduate student Jasper Charlier from the University of Applied Sciences (UCLL). The research work study aims to explore a sonication assisted production method of nano particles using different types of plastic. One manuscript is now under development using the data collected. This scientific article will submit for consideration in Nano Express, a third-quartile journal with an impact factor of 2.7 (2023), edited by IOP Publishing. Another article is being written, analyzing the results of Tire Wear (TW) nanoparticles through various instrumental techniques such as: Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytica Chimica Acta, a first-quartile journal with an impact factor of 5.7 (2023), edited by Elsevier.

WP4: The fellow has received training in DLS and cross-flow filtration and vacuum chamber filtration with membranes. The establishment of networking opportunities has led to significant collaborations:
1. Firstly, an international collaboration with Professor Dr. Blanca Lapizco-Encinas from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), co-author of the first published research paper (see details in WP5).
2. Secondly, a collaboration was established with the CE discussion group of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (KNCV) of the Netherlands. The fellow attended their meetings twice as a listener and once as a speaker.
3. Thirdly, a collaboration with the Nano Microplastics Research Consortium (NMRC, https://www.nmrc.com.au/) led by Professor Dr. Melanie MacGregor from Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia). In this collaboration, VITO
participated as an agent for the exchange of information and research expertise. As a result of this collaboration, the fellow participated as a speaker at the 1st Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference. Additionally, Dr.
Melanie MacGregor delivered a lecture to the VITO staff.
Through these efforts, the fellow has become a visible member of the scientific community. As part of this community, the fellow strives to raise awareness about the use of single-use plastics and contribute to the global development of analytical methods for the rapid and precise analysis of NPs.

Communication activity: Science is Wonderful 2023 - March 2023

Communication activity: Annual Conference Marie Curie Alumni Association - March 2024

Dissemination activity: SETAC Europe 34th Annual Meeting - May 2024

Dissemination activity: Euroanalysis XXI - August 2023

Dissemination activity: Capillary Electrophoresis Discussion Group - May 2024

Communication activity: MSCA 2024 conference - April 2024