Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a compound commonly used as a stabilizer in plastic products, including food storage containers and thermal paper receipts. Because BPA is able to bind to and activate estrogen receptors, it is linked to reduced fertility, altered development, and hormone-related cancers. A recent study at NYU Medical School confirmed the presence of BPA in pantiliners, pads, tampons, feminine washes and deodorants. This is concerning due to the high absorption capacity of the vulvar skin. For the research performed in our lab this summer, the goal was to determine if fluorescence spectrophotometry could be used to determine the presence of BPA in feminine hygiene products by monitoring the release of BPA over time into a solution of 50% methanol/water. Fluorescence is a sensitive, selective and affordable method of analysis, and BPA is a fluorescent compound that absorbs energy at 278 nm and emits at 304 nm. First, a calibration curve was obtained and analytical figures of merit were determined: linear range, limit of detection and limit of quantitation. Due to the complex sample matrix and the small concentrations of BPA in these products, the standard addition method was employed for analysis. Pantyliners, tampons and tampon applicators were tested for the presence of BPA. The top/outside layer of the feminine hygiene product which comes into direct contact with skin was removed and cut into small pieces. In the case of applicators, the entire applicator was utilized. Samples were then placed into beakers containing 100 mL of 50% methanol/water solution, one per time point to be tested from 0 minutes to 6 hours. At each time point, aliquots of sample solution were removed and transferred to 25-mL volumetric flasks containing various concentrations of BPA stock solution. Fluorescence emission intensities at 304 nm were obtained in quadruplicate, and standard addition graphs were utilized to determine the concentration of BPA that had leached from the sample at each time point. These values were graphed to give a visual of BPA leaching from the sample over time.

Monitoring BPA leaching from feminine hygiene products using fluorescence spectrophotometry

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