Articles

Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics in Five Popular Indian Toothpaste Brands – A Comprehensive Analysis

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This research has investigated the presence and composition of microplastics in five popular toothpaste brands in India. Using a novel wet peroxide digestion method, the study successfully isolated and quantified microplastics in each brand, highlighting significant variations in concentration and polymer types. Sample S4 had the highest microplastic concentration (0.248 g/g) and the largest particle size (30 micrometers), while other brands exhibited lower levels. FTIR and AFM analyses identified multiple polymer types, including PET, PP, and PTFE, with sample S4 displaying complex surface topography, indicative of increased environmental interaction and pollutant absorption. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in microplastic particle sizes across the brands. The study also performed principal component analysis (PCA), showing the intricate co-occurrence of polymers across samples, suggesting synergistic ecotoxicological effects. The results raise concerns about the potential health risks of daily exposure to microplastics through oral hygiene products, as well as the broader environmental implications, such as bioaccumulation in aquatic systems. The study calls for stricter regulation of microplastics in consumer products and further investigation into biodegradable alternatives.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Gel – Nanosilver – Clove Flower Extract (Syzygium Aromaticum L.) as a Toothpaste Forming Gel

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Dental caries is a disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, and affects everyone regardless of age. One way to overcome dental caries is to clean the teeth with a toothpaste made from hydroxyapatite-nano silver-clove extract. Hydroxyapatite is a biomaterial that has biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductive so that it can remineralize teeth. Nano silver is an antibacterial component that is able to kill microorganisms that cause dental caries. The addition of clove extract as an antimicrobial and aromatic compound can increase the attractiveness of the product. This study aims to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the hydroxyapatite-nano silver-clove extract gel formulation with varying concentrations of hydroxyapatite 1%, 2%, and 3%, and nano silver concentrations of 1 ppm, 5 ppm, and 10 ppm. The results of the homogeneity test, pH level, dispersion, and adhesion showed that the gel was in accordance with the test standard. The results of organoleptic tests and statistical analysis showed that variations in the concentration of hydroxyapatite and nano silver affected the color and aroma (P < 0.05), but did not affect the texture (P > 0.05) of the gel. FTIR spectrophotometric analysis showed that the formulation already contained OH, CO32-, PO43- groups derived from hydroxyapatite, C=O derived from nano silver, and OCH, CH3, C-C, =C-H derived from clove extract.