Plasticizers Analysis in Extractables and Leachables by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry with Parallel Polyarc®/Flame Ionization Detector

Abstract

Plasticizers such as phthalate acid esters including di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its alternatives are commonly found in extractables and leachables (E&Ls) from plastic-based medical devices. Regulatory agencies require manufacturers to monitor, qualify and quantify the E&Ls from medical devices to ensure the safety. Analyzing E&Ls from medical devices is difficult due to the unpredictability and complexity of matrices. The advent of the novel Polyarc/Flame Ionization Detector (FID), which features compound-independent response, provides the opportunity of quantitation of unknowns-to-be-identified E&Ls without using pure substances for establishing calibration. The present work evaluated firstly the feasibility and efficacy of full scan GC–MS with parallel Polyarc/FID system through analysis of plasticizers in E&Ls. In the same injection, E&Ls were identified by full scan GC–MS, then quantified through Polyarc/FID response factor of internal standards. The results showed that quantitation via response factor from internal standards are more accurate so the need for standards of the identified E&Ls is eliminated. The method can combine screening process and target analysis into a one-step execution, which makes it desirable for E&L analysis. The method was applied to a polyvinyl chloride medical device, yielding 1.183 g/device of acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, 370.2 mg/device of trioctyltrimellitate, and 3.068 mg/device of DEHP.