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Enhanced mid-IR detection characteristics of microplastics and nanoplastics using gold nanorods cluster at microneedle tips
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This study developed a highly sensitive detection platform using gold nanorods clustered at the tips of tiny microneedles — coated with a peptide that selectively binds polystyrene — to identify microplastics and nanoplastics using infrared spectroscopy. The system successfully detected polystyrene particles at concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/mL, outperforming standard spectroscopy methods. The technology could eventually support rapid, precise identification of nanoplastics in environmental and biological samples, where detection remains a major challenge.
Abstract In this study, characterization of surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy under attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode was provided to effectively identify irregularly shaped microplastics (MPs) through mid-IR plasmon and phonon resonance effect. Here, MPs specific binding microneedle array was fabricated and examined for the mid-IR detection through surface plasmon and phonon effects out of aggregates or clusters of gold nanorods (Au NRs), which were short-range-ordered among the Au NRs spaced within sub-wavelength scale. The densely packed Au NRs clusters were embedded at microneedle’s tips, which were conjugated by a short amino acid oligo-peptide of polystyrene binding peptide (PSBP) having a strong selectivity toward PS MPs and PS nanoplastics for selective capturing or binding. For comparison, Raman spectroscopies were also adopted for accomplishment of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) peaks for the PS MPs. The microneedle arrays were fabricated by poly dimehtylsiloxane (PDMS) molded stamp or imprint method with commercial adhesive polymer of Norland optical adhesive (NOA). The resonant couplings between the PS MPs and the short-range-ordered Au NRs clusters were confirmed by the SEIRA peaks under both conical and pyramidal shaped microneedle formats to identify a low concentration of MPs (0.1 mg/mL) sample in PS aqueous solution. In addition, SEM images could also confirm existences of PS MPs specifically bound with PSBP conjugated Au NRs at microneedle tips. Through this study, efficient MPs detection platforms based on plasmon and phonon SEIRA effects could be newly provided for small quantity identification of MPs samples to ensure spatial resolution for many applications.
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Enhanced mid-IR detection characteristics of microplastics and nanoplastics using gold nanorods cluster at microneedle tips
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Researchers developed a surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy system using gold nanorod clusters arranged at microneedle tips to enhance mid-IR detection of irregularly shaped microplastics and nanoplastics. The densely packed, sub-wavelength-spaced gold nanorods generated strong plasmonic and phononic resonance effects under attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode, enabling more sensitive identification of microplastic particles than conventional IR approaches.
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Researchers developed a new sensor using tiny microneedles coated with specially designed peptides that can capture and detect microplastics. The peptides bind to the hydrophobic surfaces of plastic particles, and Raman spectroscopy confirms the capture. This technology could make it easier and faster to test for microplastic contamination in water, food, and other environmental samples.
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