From Takeout to Transmission: Plastic Migration in the Spectral Spotlight

Few materials have undergone as dramatic a shift in public perception over recent decades as plastics. Once celebrated for reducing reliance on paper products, plastics are now widely recognized for their planetary-scale consequences, from bulk environmental pollution to the individual health impacts of microplastics, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. From water bottles to takeout containers, nearly all food and beverage items come into contact with plastic at some stage. Spectroscopy offers a rapid, non-destructive window into the chemical compounds that migrate from these containers into the substances we consume.

In this presentation, Guenther compares a range of common food-grade vessels (i.e. red Solo cups, Tupperware, Mason jars and bio-based plastic alternative cups) exposed to water and ethanol, followed by spectroscopic analysis of the resulting solutions to assess the concentration and composition of leached chemicals. Ultraviolet spectroscopy is leveraged for its heightened sensitivity in quantifying total extractables, while near-infrared and Raman techniques are applied to identify specific molecular signatures. Attendees will gain insight not only into what's entering their food supply, but also into which spectral platforms and protocols yield the most reliable and repeatable results.

About the presenter
Derek Guenther has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a minor in inorganic chemistry, from the University of South Florida (USF). His work at the USF Institute for Environmental Studies focused on novel silica-based algaecides targeting invasive species. Guenther’s strengths and passions lie in new chemical sensor development and spectral numerical processing. He has spent over 15 years at Ocean Optics developing and supporting optical oxygen, pH, and SERS-based sensor products. Today, he works with the strategic marketing and lab services teams helping customers achieve their goals.