We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of defined organic layers on the fluorescence lifetime of plastic materials
Summary
Researchers measured how defined organic coating layers—simulating environmental weathering—affect the fluorescence lifetime of plastic materials, finding that organic layers alter fluorescence signals in ways that could be exploited for faster detection of microplastics in complex environmental matrices.
Plastics have become an integral part of modern life, and linked to that fact, the demand for and global production of plastics are still increasing. However, the environmental pollution caused by plastics has reached unprecedented levels. The accumulation of small plastic fragments-microplastics and nanoplastics-potentially threatens organisms, ecosystems, and human health. Researchers commonly employ non-destructive analytical methods to assess the presence and characteristics of microplastic particles in environmental samples. However, these techniques require extensive sample preparation, which represents a significant limitation and hinders a direct on-site analysis. In this context, previous investigations showed the potential of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for fast and reliable identification of microplastics in an environmental matrix. However, since microplastics receive an environmental coating after entering nature, a challenge arises from organic contamination on the surface of microplastic particles. How this influences the fluorescence signal and the possibility of microplastic detection are unknown. To address this research gap, we exposed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic samples to peptides, proteins, bacteria, and a filamentous fungus to induce organic contamination and mimic environmental conditions. We analyzed the fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of the samples using fluorescence spectroscopy and frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM), respectively. Our results demonstrate that reliably identifying and differentiating ABS and PET was possible via FD-FLIM, even in the presence of these biological contaminations. These findings highlight the potential of this technique as a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and plastic characterization, offering a rapid and efficient alternative to currently used analytical methods.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Fluorescence Signatures of Dissolved Organic Matter Leached from Microplastics: Polymers and Additives
Researchers used fluorescence analysis to characterize the dissolved organic matter that leaches from common microplastics like PVC and polystyrene, as well as from additives like phthalates and bisphenol A. They found that UV light exposure accelerated the leaching process and identified distinct fluorescence signatures linked to specific plastic types and additives. The study highlights an overlooked pathway by which microplastics release chemical compounds into aquatic environments.
Spectroscopic Tracking of the Characteristics of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter
This study used fluorescence spectroscopy to track dissolved organic matter leaching from polyethylene, PVC, and other plastic types over time, finding that different polymers release distinct dissolved organic matter compositions with varying potential to affect aquatic ecosystems.
A promising method for fast identification of microplastic particles in environmental samples: A pilot study using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Researchers piloted fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy as a fast method for identifying microplastic particles in environmental samples. The study suggests this technique could simplify microplastic analysis by potentially eliminating the need for extensive extraction steps, enabling more direct identification of plastic particles in complex matrices.
Determining the influence of variable additive, filler, and dye concentrations in plastics on their fluorescence behavior via spectrometry and FD-FLIM
This study investigated how varying concentrations of additives, fillers, and dyes within plastic materials affect their fluorescence behavior, with the goal of improving fluorescence-based microplastic identification methods. The researchers used spectrometry and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM) to reveal that these internal variables significantly influence fluorescence signals, which must be accounted for when using fluorescence as a detection technique. More reliable microplastic identification methods are needed to accurately measure contamination levels across diverse environmental and food samples.
Characterization of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter in freshwater: Effects of light irradiation and polymer types
Researchers examined how different types of microplastics release dissolved organic matter into freshwater under light and dark conditions. They found that polypropylene released the most organic compounds after UV exposure, while protein-like substances were the main material released by most plastics in the dark. The study indicates that microplastics may have ongoing, long-term effects on water chemistry and microbial activity in natural water bodies.