Low-density Polyethylene Bottles Research Articles

Investigating the influence of Ru structures and supports on hydrogenolysis of polyethylene plastic waste

The Ru dispersion of Ru/SBA-15 was controlled by varying the triethanolamine (TEA)/Ru molar ratios to examine the influence of Ru structures on the hydrogenolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under moderate conditions (3 MPa hydrogen and 250 °C). Among the different Ru catalysts tested, Ru/SBA-15 with a TEA/Ru molar ratio of 10 (Ru/SBA-15 (10)) exhibited the best activity in LDPE hydrogenolysis. Analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), CO chemisorption, CO Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and High-angle annular dark-field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) showed that the optimal amount of TEA (TEA/Ru = 10) increased the Ru dispersion (92%) and ultimately improved the catalytic activity of LDPE hydrogenolysis. The addition of TEA led to the formation of a [Ru(triethanolamine)2]3+ complex, which facilitated the introduction of Ru species into the confined space in SBA-15. The highly dispersed Ru species confined within SBA-15 in Ru/SBA-15 (10), along with the inherent properties of SBA-15, results in increased hydrogen coverage on the Ru species. This increase in hydrogen coverage leads to a higher liquid yield in LDPE hydrogenolysis compared to Ru/SiO2 (10). Additionally, we successfully employed Ru/SBA-15 (10) in the hydrogenolysis of postconsumer polyolefin waste, including commercial LDPE and LDPE bottles, producing valuable chemicals, such as liquid fuel and wax, in high yields of 65–70%.

Development of 100% Recycled Thermoplastic Composites for Sound Insulated Acoustic Panels

Today, environmental problems are increasing rapidly and the focus is shifting to seeking long-term and sustainable solutions. At this point, the economical use of raw material resources is important and this makes recycling a necessity, not a diversity. In this context, environmentally friendly acoustic panels are designed with composites produced by recycling 100% textile and packaging wastes for the noise problem in buildings. Denim fabrics from textile wastes and low-density polyethylene bottle caps from packaging wastes are used. Denim fabrics that are shredded into cotton fibers are blended with ground waste polyethylene granules and porous structures are obtained with the hot press technique. The panels, whose physical and acoustic properties have been tested, are aimed to create an environmentally friendly alternative to existing products.

Mechanical Analysis of Laminated Structures Consisting of Denim Fabric and Recycled HDPE / LDPE Bottle Caps

Industrialization and the increase in population in the world have led to a great increase in the amount of solid waste. Plastic and textile wastes have an important share among the solid wastes, which include many different waste groups. While the increase in disposable products increases the amount of plastic waste, the understanding of fast fashion is among the most important reasons for the increase in textile waste. In this study, cotton based woven textile wastes (2nd quality denim fabric) are laminated with plastic packaging wastes (high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) water bottle caps) in various sequences and thickness, areal density and fiber weight ratio values of these structures are examined. In addition, the impact properties of the produced laminated composite structures are analyzed via drop-weight impact testing machine. The results show that the increase in the number of fabric layers contributes positively to the energy absorption rate thus the samples including two layers of fabrics and one layer of either LDPE or HDPE plastic sheet have the highest maximum loads and absorbed energy values. In addition, it is also seen that HDPE lamination results in higher absorbed energy values compared to LDPE lamination.

Formulation and Stability of Ataluren Eye Drop Oily Solution for Aniridia

Congenital aniridia is a rare and severe panocular disease characterized by a complete or partial iris defect clinically detectable at birth. The most common form of aniridia occurring in around 90% of cases is caused by PAX6 haploinsufficiency. The phenotype includes ptosis, nystagmus, corneal limbal insufficiency, glaucoma, cataract, optic nerve, and foveal hypoplasia. Ataluren eye drops aim to restore ocular surface PAX6 haploinsufficiency in aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK). However, there are currently no available forms of the ophthalmic solution. The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical and microbiological stability of ataluren 1% eye drop in preservative-free low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottle with an innovative insert that maintains sterility after opening. Because ataluren is a strongly lipophilic compound, the formulation is complex and involves a strategy based on co-solvents in an aqueous phase or an oily formulation capable of totally dissolving the active ingredient. The visual aspect, ataluren quantification by a stability-indicating chromatographic method, and microbiological sterility were analyzed. The oily formulation in castor oil and DMSO (10%) better protects ataluren hydrolysis and oxidative degradation and permits its complete solubilization. Throughout the 60 days period, the oily solution in the LDPE bottle remained clear without any precipitation or color modification, and no drug loss and no microbial development were detected. The demonstrated physical and microbiological stability of ataluren 1% eye drop formulation at 22–25 °C might facilitate clinical research in aniridia.

Stability of Ophthalmic Atropine Solutions for Child Myopia Control.

Myopia is an ophthalmic condition affecting more than 1/5th of the world population, especially children. Low-dose atropine eyedrops have been shown to limit myopia evolution during treatment. However, there are currently no commercial industrial forms available and there is little data published concerning the stability of medications prepared by compounding pharmacies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of two 0.1 mg/mL atropine formulations (with and without antimicrobiobial preservatives) for 6 months in two different low-density polyethylene (LDPE) multidose eyedroppers. Analyses used were the following: visual inspection, turbidity, chromaticity measurements, osmolality and pH measurements, atropine quantification by a stability-indicating liquid chromatography method, breakdown product research, and sterility assay. In an in-use study, atropine quantification was also performed on the drops emitted from the multidose eyedroppers. All tested parameters remained stable during the 6 months period, with atropine concentrations above 94.7% of initial concentration. A breakdown product (tropic acid) did increase slowly over time but remained well below usually admitted concentrations. Atropine concentrations remained stable during the in-use study. Both formulations of 0.1 mg/mL of atropine (with and without antimicrobial preservative) were proved to be physicochemically stable for 6 months at 25 °C when stored in LDPE bottles, with an identical microbial shelf-life.

Red turpentine beetle primary attraction to (-)-β-pinene+ethanol in US Pacific Northwest ponderosa pine forests.

Red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a non-aggressive pine bark beetle native to North America, and more aggressive invader in China. Dispersing pioneer beetles are attracted to potential host trees by oleoresin monoterpene kairomones, but respond more strongly to those combined with ethanol, a mixture often released from stressed, dying, or recently dead trees. (+)-3-Carene, usually the dominant or co-dominant monoterpene in ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, is a stronger attractant than α-pinene or β-pinene where tested over a large portion of the D. valens range, while (+)-3-carene+ethanol was shown previously to attract twice the beetles of (+)-3-carene. A field test comparing D. valens attraction among the three monoterpenes when all are released with ethanol has never been reported, and was our objective. In three US Pacific Northwestern pine forests, (–)-β-pinene+ethanol lures attracted 1.4 to 1.9 times more beetles than (+)-3-carene+ethanol. (+)- or (±)-α-pinene+ethanol lures were least attractive. A 1:1:1 monoterpene mixture+ethanol lure attracted more beetles than the 1:1:1 lure, but it was not statistically higher. Monoterpenes were dispensed from low density polyethylene bottles and their release rates monitored in laboratory and field tests. Under laboratory conditions (+)-3-carene was released much more rapidly than (+)-α-pinene or (–)-β-pinene when dispensed separately, or in a 1:1:1 mixture. (+)-3-Carene in the 1:1:1 mixture increased the release of both pinenes over their rates when dispensed separately. (–)-β-Pinene+ethanol is currently the strongest kairomone lure for D. valens attraction in US northwest pine forests, and has value for beetle detection, monitoring, research, and management.

Physicochemical stability of binary admixtures of paracetamol and dexketoprofen-trometamol for patient-controlled analgesia use

BackgroundIntravenous admixtures of dexketoprofen-trometamol and paracetamol are frequently used in clinical practice due to synergism obtained administering both drugs concomitantly. Physicochemical stability of binary admixture containing both drugs is currently...

Stability of frozen 1% voriconazole eye-drops in both glass and innovative containers

PurposeTo assess the physico-chemical stability of Voriconazole Eye-Drops (VED), when stored frozen and refrigerated once thawed, in 3 containers: Amber glass with a Low-Density PolyEthylene (LDPE) eyedropper, and two types of LDPE bottles: one classical and one with an innovative insert that maintains sterility after opening (Novelia® from Nemera). MethodsThree batches of 1% VED (10 mL) were aseptically compounded from marketed injectable voriconazole (Vfend®) diluted in sterile water for injection. VEDs were stored for three months at -20 °C in amber glass (n = 32), classical LDPE (n = 32) or innovative LDPE (n = 31) bottles. Stability-indicating (HPLC-UV-DAD) and chiral chromatography methods were developed. The stability study was conducted according to GERPAC-SFPC guidelines. At each study time, the following parameters were controlled: visual aspect, voriconazole concentration, pH and osmolality. In addition, non-visible particle count, sterility and absence of racemisation (impurity D – (2S,3R)-voriconazole) were assessed at the beginning and end of the study.Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests (α < 5%) to compare containers. ResultsWhen stored frozen, concentration was between 95.2 ± 1.4% and 103.6 ± 1.3% of the initial concentration (C0) with no difference between the three containers (p = 0.564; non-significant). Fifteen days after thawing, concentration was between 97.1 ± 1.6% and 98.6 ± 0.8% of C0 with no difference between containers (p = 0.278 and 0.368 for VED thawed at room temperature and at 2–8 °C, respectively). pH remained stable between each time. Osmolality was slightly higher in glass (533.17 ± 8.93 mOsm/Kg) than in plastic containers (522.17±3.31mOsm/Kg, classical LDPE; 517.5 ± 12.42 mOsm/Kg, innovative LDPE) (p = 0.022). Sterility was preserved. Degradation product areas increased slightly but remained below the limit of quantification. Impurity D was never detected. ConclusionWe have demonstrated that the ability of the innovative container Novelia® to maintain VED physicochemical and microbiological stability does not differ from that of amber glass and classical LDPE containers. Real life studies are required to find out if there is a potential difference between Novelia® and other containers in terms of sterility preservation.

Identification of an Adduct Impurity of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and a Leachable in an Ophthalmic Drug Product Using LC-QTOF

Impurity investigations are important in pharmaceutical development to ensure drug purity and safety for the patient. The impurities typically found in drug products are degradants or reaction products of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or leachable compounds from the container closure system. However, secondary reactions may also occur between API degradants, excipient impurities, residual solvents, and leachables to form adduct impurities. We hereby report an adduct-forming interaction of API (moxifloxacin) with a leachable compound (ethylene glycol monoformate) in moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution. The leachable compound originated from a low-density polyethylene bottle used in the packaging of drug products. The adduct impurity was tentatively identified as 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-7-(1-(2-(formyloxy)ethyl) octahydro-6H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-yl)-8-methoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (C24H28FN3O6, MW = 473.19621) using accurate mass LC-QTOF analysis. The mass accuracy error between the theoretical mass and the experimental mass of an impurity was found to be 0.2 ppm. An MS/MS analysis was utilized to provide mass spectrometry fragments to support verification of the proposed structure.

Stability of extemporaneously prepared preservative-free prochlorperazine nasal spray.

The stability of an extemporaneously prepared preservative-free prochlorperazine 5-mg/mL nasal spray was evaluated. The preservative-free prochlorperazine nasal spray was prepared by adding 250 mg of prochlorperazine edisylate to 50 mL of citrate buffer in a low-density polyethylene nasal spray bottle. A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated using the major degradant prochlorperazine sulfoxide and by performing forced-degradation studies. For chemical stability studies, 3 100-μL samples of the preservative-free prochlorperazine from 5 nasal spray bottles stored at room temperature were collected at days 0, 20, 30, 45, and 60 and were assayed in triplicate using the stability-indicating HPLC method. Microbiological testing involved antimicrobial effectiveness testing based on United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapter 51 and quantitative microbiological enumeration of aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and mold based on USP chapter 61. Samples for microbiological testing were collected at days 0, 30, and 60. The stability-indicating HPLC method clearly identified the degradation product prochlorperazine sulfoxide without interference from prochlorperazine. All tested solutions retained over 90% of the initial prochlorperazine concentration for the 60-day study period. There were no detectable changes in color, pH, and viscosity in any sample. There was no growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold for 60 days in all samples tested. An extemporaneously prepared preservative-free nasal spray solution of prochlorperazine edisylate 5 mg/mL was physically, chemically, and microbiologically stable for 60 days when stored at room temperature in low-density polyethylene bottles.

A Sorption Study between Ophthalmic Drugs and Multi Dose Eyedroppers in Simulated Use Conditions

AbstractPreservative free ophthalmic formulations need to be packaged either as single doses, or using specially designed sterility preserving multidose eyedroppers. Our objective was to evaluate potential sorption phenomena between a device with a silicone sterility preserving membrane and the delivered drops of several ophthalmic solutions. Cyclosporine, rifamycin, latanoprost, timolol and norfloxacin were used as model drugs. Quantification of the active substance in delivered drops (1 to 4 drops per day) from low density polyethylene (LDPE) bottles without any sterility preserving device and from LDPE bottles with a sterility preserving silicone membrane (LDPE-Si) was performed for 14 days (n≥3), using validated HPLC methods. For cyclosporine, mean concentrations did not vary by more than 10 % from reference concentrations for either LDPE or LDPE-Si eyedroppers, but for LDPE-Si, the concentrations of the 1 mg.ml-1 cyclosporine micellar solution were found to be significantly lower than for those from LDPE eyedroppers (p=0.0127). For LDPE-Si, rifamycin mean concentrations decreased by 11.2 % throughout the 14 day study period, but didn’t vary by more than 10 % for LDPE and glass eyedroppers. However, rifamycin concentrations from LDPE-Si were not significantly different from those from LDPE eyedroppers. For latanoprost, whilst mean concentrations did not vary by more than 10 % from reference concentration for LDPE eyedroppers, for LDPE-Si eyedroppers concentrations decreased by 76.4 % at their lowest concentration and never returned to their initial level. For timolol and norfloxacin, mean concentrations did not vary by more than 10 % for either LDPE or LDPE-Si eyedroppers and no significant difference was found between the 2 eyedroppers concentrations. Our results are in favor of an absence of significant sorption between LDPE-Si eyedroppers for timolol or norfloxacin ophthalmic solutions. Further studies should be performed on cyclosporine ophthalmic micellar solutions and rifamycin ophthalmic solutions before any definite conclusions can be made. Finally, our results show that latanoprost ophthalmic solutions shouldn’t be used with LDPE-Si eyedroppers as the loss of active substance would cause a sever under-dosing.

Simulated Leaching (Migration) Study for a Model Container-Closure System Applicable to Parenteral and Ophthalmic Drug Products.

A simulating leaching (migration) study was performed on a model container-closure system relevant to parenteral and ophthalmic drug products. This container-closure system consisted of a linear low-density polyethylene bottle (primary container), a polypropylene cap and an elastomeric cap liner (closure), an adhesive label (labeling), and a foil overpouch (secondary container). The bottles were filled with simulating solvents (aqueous salt/acid mixture at pH 2.5, aqueous buffer at pH 9.5, and 1/1 v/v isopropanol/water), a label was affixed to the filled and capped bottles, the filled bottles were placed into the foil overpouch, and the filled and pouched units were stored either upright or inverted for up to 6 months at 40 °C. After storage, the leaching solutions were tested for leached substances using multiple complementary analytical techniques to address volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile organic and inorganic extractables as potential leachables.The leaching data generated supported several conclusions, including that (1) the extractables (leachables) profile revealed by a simulating leaching study can qualitatively be correlated with compositional information for materials of construction, (2) the chemical nature of both the extracting medium and the individual extractables (leachables) can markedly affect the resulting profile, and (3) while direct contact between a drug product and a system's material of construction may exacerbate the leaching of substances from that material by the drug product, direct contact is not a prerequisite for migration and leaching to occur.LAY ABSTRACT: The migration of container-related extractables from a model pharmaceutical container-closure system and into simulated drug product solutions was studied, focusing on circumstances relevant to parenteral and ophthalmic drug products. The model system was constructed specifically to address the migration of extractables from labels applied to the outside of the primary container. The study demonstrated that (1) the extractables that do migrate can be correlated to the composition of the materials used to construct the container-closure systems, (2) the extent of migration is affected by the chemical nature of the simulating solutions and the extractables themselves, and (3) even though labels may not be in direct contact with a contained solution, label-related extractables can accumulate as leachables in those solutions.

Temperature-mediated absorption of phenylmercuric nitrate on polyethylene and polypropylene containers in chloramphenicol eye drops

The aim of this work was to find the effect of temperature and manufacturing source of phenylmercuric nitrate (PMN) on PMN absorption on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene containers in chloramphenicol eye drops. Two factorial experiments were designed to study the effect of temperature on PMN assay in chloramphenicol eye drops stored in LDPE and prepared from two different PMN sources. PMN source had no effect on PMN assay at 2–8 °C, however at stress conditions (30 °C/75%RH) for 3 weeks, the effect of PMN source on PMN assay was found significant (p < 0.05) in formulations stored in LDPE bottles. Temperature was the major contributor to decreased PMN assay. In formulations stored in polypropylene containers, PMN source had significant effect on PMN assay at 2–8 °C and 30 °C/75%RH. Overall, new PMN and polypropylene bottles performed better. The eye drops complied with preservative efficacy test both initially and at the end of shelf life. The concentration exponent of PMN is very low and in spite of its high absorption by container/closure, PMN was still able to protect the eye drops at the end of shelf life. It can be inferred that preservative efficacy test is the better indicator of preservative activity.

Osmium contamination of seawater samples stored in polyethylene bottles

A low blank—high yield procedure for the accurate determination of seawater osmium concentration and isotope composition has been developed. The improvement in the detection limit has revealed a subtle temporal increase in the concentration of samples obtained during the GEOTRACES expeditions that were stored in high density polyethylene bottles. This increase in Os concentration is accompanied by significant decrease in the 187Os/188Os ratio of the water indicating substantial contamination of waters in two out of three bottles that were investigated; the third bottle, which is not contaminated, shows evidence of Os removal. In comparison, analyses of another aliquot of water stored in a Teflon bottle show no contamination. Samples collected in low density polyethylene bottles during SAFe expedition have also been contaminated. Bottle cleaning with HNO3 has directly/indirectly contributed to the bottle blank. We also find that a snow‐melt sample stored in a Teflon bottle has remained uncontaminated for more than a year, despite having an Os concentration that is ~14 times lower than seawater. We conclude that the low level samples, such as seawater, need to be stored in Teflon bottles for accurate and precise estimate of Os concentration and isotope composition, although polypropylene bottles may be an acceptable alternative. A re‐evaluation of previously published data and data obtained in the present study still indicates that Os is not a conservative element in the seawater column and that small but significant variations in the seawater 187Os/188Os ratio may exist with depth and among different ocean basins.

Sorption of unoprostone isopropyl to packaging materials

This study investigated the stability of an ophthalmic solution formulation of unoprostone isopropyl (UI), a prostaglandin like compound, in two types of packaging materials, polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). We determined the concentration of UI and its degradation products as a function of time and found that the rate of disappearance of drug was faster for the formulation stored in LDPE bottles than that stored in PP bottles. Further studies indicated that the inferior stability observed with the LDPE packaging was primarily due to the sorption of UI to the packaging material and to a lesser degree, chemical degradation. The sorption was temperature dependent, lowering the temperature reduced the sorption, thus improving the shelf-life of the product.

Investigation of Concentration Variations of Trace Elements during Storage and Handling of Solution by Neutron Activation Analysis

Using neutron activation analysis and radiotracers, the concentration variations of trace elements in sample and standard solutions caused by adsorption to storage bottles and by contamination with impurities due to leaching from laboratoryware were investigated. Concentrations of trace elements in aqueous solution varied with storage period, bottle material, and solution properties. The concentration variations slightly increased with storage period. In terms of concentration variations, nitric acid was better than hydrochloric acid for most elements. Also, it was found that high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene bottles are not good for storage of Sn. Contamination from impurities leached from laboratoryware (ion-exchange resins and filter paper) to solutions was investigated and found to be severe. Distribution ratios for almost all elements examined in this work were in the range of 10−3 g/ml.

Naphthalene contamination of sterilized milk drinks contained in low-density polyethylene bottles. Part 2. Effect of naphthalene vapour in air.

A survey on naphthalene vapour in air was conducted, revealing that the ambient atmosphere contained concentrations of naphthalene in the range of 0.005-0.100 mg m-3. The level of naphthalene vapour in air increased to 0.35 and 4.00 mg m-3 in places exposed to lacquer paint and naphthalene-based moth-repellent, respectively. The effect of naphthalene vapour in air on milk drinks contained in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottles was assessed. A mathematical model was suggested to describe the migration of naphthalene from the atmosphere into milk. The model was proved to be valid for milk drinks exposed to naphthalene-based moth-repellent during storage. Moreover, the extent of migration was found to increase with the fat content of foods, which might be ascribed to an increase in diffusion, in addition to the kinetic factor, that affects naphthalene migration.

Naphthalene contamination of sterilized milk drinks contained in low-density polyethylene bottles. Part 1.

Naphthalene contamination was observed in sterilized milk drinks contained in low-density polyethylene bottles. The determination of naphthalene in the packaging material by gas chromatography showed levels of naphthalene ranging from 0.7 to 2.0 micrograms g-1. Analysis of the milk samples at the time of purchase by gas chromatography after extraction using a Dean and Stark apparatus showed levels of naphthalene in the range 0.01-0.03 microgram ml-1. The level of contamination in milk increased with storage time at room temperature (25 degrees C) and, depending on the concentration of naphthalene in the packaging material, values of 0.08-0.27 microgram ml-1 were found at the expiry date. Migration studies were carried out using peanut oil as a food stimulant. The amount of naphthalene extracted by milk from the polyethylene at 25 degrees C over a period of 60 d was related to the amount that could be extracted using peanut oil at 66 degrees C for 30 h. A mathematical model was established to describe the observed migration of naphthalene into milk, and proved valid for calculating the level of naphthalene in milk using the optimum determined values of K and Dp.

Kinetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sorption from liquid smoke flavour into low density polyethylene packaging

A liquid smoke flavour (LSF) was spiked with a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a total concentration of 91·1 μg/kg and filled into low density polyethylene bottles. The changes of PAH concentrations in LSF were followed for 164 h, using a high-performance liquid chromatography method with selective fluroimetric detection. During this time the concentrations of PAHs in LSF dropped to zero. Assuming that the rate-limiting step of the sorption onto the packaging material is the diffusion in the solution, a kinetic equation of the sorption was derived and diffusion coefficients for individual compounds were obtained.