Plastic products get a bad rap, but they have enabled degrees of market flexibility that were previously unthinkable. Polymers have been essential in extending the shelf-life of perishable food goods and delivering fresh drinking water to areas where it may be scarce. The toughness and extreme flexibility of plastics means they readily conform to all manner of molds to create purpose-built, hygiene-tight barriers for myriad consumables. This alone has been pivotal in reducing food waste and alleviating the burden of water scarcity worldwide. However, data from leaching studies continues to expose the hidden cost of using plastics as food contact materials (FCMs).
Leaching refers to the transfer of chemicals from plastic containers into food and beverages. It is closely linked to extraction, with the types of leaking chemicals commonly referred to as extractables and leachables (E&L). The extent of how damaging these substances can be is subject to intense debate, but the data has shown that common leachables like bisphenol A (BPA) can interfere with cellular signaling and gene expression. Resulting hormonal imbalances may contribute to a host of issues like diabetes and obesity. Clearly, it is vital that we develop a robust understanding of the leaching process to ensure products are safe for consumption. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide on how to conduct sample preparation for a leaching study for trace elements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards throughout the process.
Step 1: Assess Sources of Contamination
Inaccurate leaching study results will mostly stem from sources of contamination. Before starting your leaching study you will need to gather information on the cleanliness of all materials/apparatus involved. Acid and water are common sources of contamination, but also make sure to check any pipettes, weigh boats, or any other intermediate container(s) used to make or transfer the leaching solution.
Step 2: Design you Leaching Study
After you have assessed all sources of contamination you will want to design the conditions of your leaching study. Plan how long you plan to leach, what temperature(s), what elements are of interest, and what would be the best leaching solution to use. Start thinking of what you will use as a blank during your analysis.
Step 3: Build your standards
You will want to build your standards based on your elements of interest and sample throughput. You may choose to run your samples against a calibration curve or testing by spike recoveries. When using a calibration curve make sure that the standards are matrix matched to your samples. If testing by spike recovery, make sure that any equipment used to add the spike concentrations are clean of contamination.
Step 4: Data Analysis
Lastly, you will need to work up your data. We always recommend reviewing raw instrument data, but this is especially critical for leaching studies. If your samples are clean you may be reviewing data near detection limits of your instrument. Be cautious of samples with high %RSDs due to low concentration of your elements of interest.
Enhance Your Expertise at the ICP Conference 2023
Careful and precise sample preparation is crucial for a successful leaching study. If you found this blog post informative and want to learn more, consider joining us at the ICP Conference 2023. We will be running an in-person training course on all things ICP. During the conference, we will review common sources of contamination, such as gloves, weigh boats, and other lab equipment, and demonstrate how to collect information for a leaching study. We will also review the process for leaching bottles, tips, and tubes to safeguard against contamination. Join us on Tuesday the 12th of September if you’re interested in our first-hand expertise on building leaching studies.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and network with other professionals in the field. Register now for the ICP Conference 2023 and take the next step in improving your sample preparation techniques for leaching studies. Stay informed, stay ahead, and ensure the safety and quality of the products you work with. See you there!