We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Analysis Methods for the Detection of Plastic Particles in Biological–Environmental Samples
Original title: Analysis Methods for the Detection of Plastic Particles in Biological–Environmental Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
This review rounds up the various lab techniques scientists use to find and identify tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) inside human and animal tissue samples, from powerful microscopes to chemical fingerprinting tools. This matters because before we can understand whether plastic particles in our bodies are actually harmful, researchers first need reliable ways to detect and measure them—and this paper helps clarify which tools work best for which situations, laying groundwork for better human health research on plastic exposure.
The detection of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPLs) in biological samples is critical for understanding their environmental distribution and investigating human exposure, bioaccumulation and their potential health effects. This review provides an overview of current approaches used to detect plastic particles in in vitro and in vivo studies, focusing on microscopic, spectroscopic, spectrometric, chromatographic and flow-cytometry-based methods. Microscopy techniques, including optical, confocal, fluorescence, scanning electron (SEM), transmission electron (TEM), cryogenic electron (cryo-EM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), enable the visualization and characterization of MPs and NPLs. Spectroscopic approaches, such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy, are widely employed for polymer identification through characteristic molecular fingerprints. Spectrometric techniques, including single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (scICP-MS) and single-cell inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (scICP-TOFMS), provide sensitive elemental analyses, while flow cytometry offers high-throughput particle detection. Chromatographic approaches, particularly double-shot gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), enable sensitive and specific polymer characterizations. Recent technological advances, including automated and high-resolution analytical approaches, are also discussed together with practical considerations for selecting appropriate methods according to the sample type and analytical objective. Collectively, these methods contribute to the assessment of plastic particle occurrence, bioaccumulation, and biological effects, supporting future environmental monitoring, human biomonitoring and risk assessment.
More Papers Like This
Challenges and Advances in Analytical Techniques to Detect Micro- and Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This research review summarizes the current methods scientists use to detect and study microplastics and nanoplastics - tiny plastic particles that can get into our environment, food, and bodies. The authors explain that identifying these extremely small plastic pieces is very challenging and requires advanced laboratory techniques to understand what types of plastics they are and how much is present. Better detection methods are important because we need to understand how much plastic pollution we're exposed to and its potential effects on human health.
Emerging Analytical Methodologies for Micro- and Nano-Plastics Detection in Human Samples: Analytical Challenges and Health Risk Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists have found tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) throughout human organs and body fluids, but this review of existing research shows we still lack reliable, standardized tools to accurately measure them—different labs get different results depending on how they prepare and test samples. While lab studies suggest very small plastic particles can cause cell stress and inflammation, there isn't yet solid evidence directly linking plastic exposure to specific diseases in people—so the biggest takeaway is that we urgently need better testing methods before we can truly understand the health risks these particles pose.
Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers the latest laboratory methods for detecting and measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in environmental samples like water, food, and air. Identifying these tiny particles is extremely challenging because they vary enormously in size, shape, and plastic type, and concentrations can differ by billions of times between samples. Better standardized detection methods are essential for accurately understanding how much microplastic humans are actually exposed to.
Sampling and Sample Preparation Techniques for Micro- and Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists don't have a standard way to find and measure tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in our environment, making it hard to compare research results. This review paper examines different methods researchers use to detect these plastic particles in air, water, soil, food, and living things. Having better, consistent testing methods is important because microplastics are found throughout our environment and food chain, but we can't properly track their health effects without reliable measurement techniques.
The analytical challenge of measuring micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists keep finding tiny plastic particles in human tissue, but measuring them accurately is surprisingly hard, different labs use different methods and get different results. This paper explains why better, more standardized testing tools are urgently needed before we can truly understand how much plastic is in our bodies and what it might be doing to our health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.