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Plastic-catch: A Paper-based fluorescence method for salivary microplastic screening
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Researchers tested a low-cost paper strip method using a glowing dye to detect microplastics in saliva from 10 people wearing orthodontic aligners. The strips, read with a smartphone camera, detected plastic particles 10 micrometers or larger, and lab tests confirmed some particles were polyethylene or polypropylene.
Background: Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental contaminants that have entered human biological systems, raising concerns for oral and systemic health. Saliva offers a convenient, non-invasive matrix for assessing exposure. However, standard detection methods such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy remain costly, preparation-heavy and limited to specialized laboratories. Aim: This study aimed to develop and validate ‘Plastic-Catch,’ a low-cost paper-based fluorescence method for rapid screening of salivary MPs ≥10 µm using Nile Red (NR) staining and fluorescence image analysis.Materials and Methods: Cellulose strips were impregnated with NR, and saliva samples underwent mild hydrogen peroxide digestion to reduce mucin-related autofluorescence. A smartphone camera captured fluorescence images inside a custom dark box, and Image J enabled quantitative particle analysis. Selected particles were examined using FTIR microscopy for polymer confirmation.Results: NR-coated cellulose strips produced strong, uniform fluorescence when bound to hydrophobic polymers. Image analysis consistently detected MPs in artificial saliva and in saliva samples obtained from 10 individuals undergoing orthodontic aligner therapy, with high reproducibility and low background noise. FTIR spectra revealed weak but characteristic polyolefin peaks (≈2925–2927 cm⁻¹) confirming polyethylene or polypropylene residues. The sensor achieved a detection threshold suitable for semi-quantitative screening of MPs ≥10 µm.Conclusion: Plastic-Catch offers a portable, affordable and rapid approach for preliminary microplastic screening. By combining simple chemistry with digital imaging, the platform supports accessible preliminary microplastic screening and future biomonitoring applications.
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A spectroscopic study on orthodontic aligners: First evidence of secondary microplastic detachment after seven days of artificial saliva exposure
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Researchers investigated whether clear orthodontic aligners release microplastics when exposed to artificial saliva over seven days. The study found evidence of microplastic detachment from aligners made by multiple manufacturers, representing the first documentation of secondary microplastic release from these dental devices. The findings raise questions about potential microplastic ingestion by the millions of people who use clear aligners.
Evaluation of microplastic release from orthodontic clear aligner – A spectroscopic study
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Researchers evaluated microplastic release from orthodontic clear aligners under simulated oral conditions using Raman microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The study found that mechanical friction in the mouth can cause these dental devices to shed microplastic particles, raising questions about an overlooked source of direct microplastic exposure for the millions of people who use clear aligners.
Detection and Identification of Various Microplastics in Different Orthodontic Adhesives
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Researchers found microplastics in four different brands of orthodontic adhesives used by dentists to attach braces. The microplastics were identified as fibers, fragments, and pellets containing various plastic polymers. While the amount is small compared to other plastic pollution sources, this study shows that dental materials can introduce microplastic particles into patients' mouths and eventually into the environment.
Microplastic Release from Clear Aligners: a Clinical Study
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Clear plastic teeth aligners, worn by millions to straighten teeth, can shed tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) into your saliva as you chew and wear them over time. This study is the first to measure this shedding directly in people's mouths, looking at how wear time and cleaning habits affect how much plastic breaks off. Since we don't yet fully know the health effects of swallowing these particles, this research is an important first step in understanding a possible hidden source of microplastic exposure in everyday dental care.
Microplastics in Orthodontics
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This paper reviews how microplastics can leach from dental and orthodontic materials such as toothpaste, retainers, aligners, and adhesives, with the oral cavity being a direct route for microplastic ingestion. As orthodontic treatments become more common, especially clear aligner therapy, understanding the extent of microplastic release from these devices is important for assessing patient exposure.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.