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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
Summary
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.