We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigation of a method for fluorescently labeling polyethylene and polypropylene nanoplastic particles for biological impact assessment research.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers created tiny particles of two common plastics, polyethylene and polypropylene, including versions aged with UV light, then tested a method to add fluorescent dye to them. The dye labeling stayed stable even after washing with solvents, offering a lab tool for future studies on how these plastic particles affect living cells or organisms.
Micro- and nanoplastics, which raise concerns due to their potential impact on living organisms, exist in diverse forms and undergo surface chemical degradation through ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and other environmental factors. To provide a more realistic evaluation of their biological effects, we prepared nanoparticles of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)-two of the most abundant plastics in the environment-and simulated their degradation by exposing them to UV light. Furthermore, to enable assessment of biological effects, we investigated fluorescent labeling using a tetrahydrofuran-based (THF) swelling-and-incorporation method. By employing the highly hydrophobic dye BODIPY and refining the staining procedure to include THF evaporation, we successfully achieved stable fluorescent labeling of both undegraded and UV-degraded PE and PP particles. Notably, the fluorescence remained intact even after washing with organic solvents capable of dissolving the dye. This robust staining technique thus provides a valuable platform for investigating the biological effects of plastic nanoparticles.
More Papers Like This
Fluorescent plastic nanoparticles to track their interaction and fate in physiological environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed fluorescently labeled plastic nanoparticles made from PET, polypropylene, and polystyrene that can be tracked in biological environments to study how nanoplastics are taken up and processed by living organisms. Having trackable model nanoplastics is an important tool for understanding how these particles move through tissues and food chains.
Fabrication and characterization of (fluorescent) model nanoplastics for polymer specific detection
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed fluorescently labeled model nanoplastics that mimic the properties of real plastic particles, enabling polymer-specific identification at very small scales. These standardized reference particles are a key research tool because nanoplastics are otherwise extremely difficult to detect and characterize in environmental samples.
Assessing the effects of luminescently labelled and non-labelled PET nanoparticles on environmental bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers created fluorescently labeled PET nanoparticles to study how tiny plastic fragments from everyday products affect bacteria in the environment. They found that PET nanoparticles adhered to bacterial cells, altered their ability to use different carbon sources, and affected biofilm formation. The study demonstrates a new visualization technique for tracking nanoplastics in biological samples and reveals that even nanoscale plastic particles can influence microbial behavior.
Fluorescent Tagging of Polymer Particles with PBN for the Detection of Microplastics in Personal Care Goods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used fluorescent labeling to detect microplastic particles in personal care products, a common but undermonitored source of plastic pollution. The method proved effective for identifying small polymer particles in consumer goods.
Labelling of micro- and nanoplastics for environmental studies: state-of-the-art and future challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed labelling techniques used to track micro- and nanoplastics in environmental studies, categorizing them into fluorescent, metal, stable isotope, and radioisotope methods. The study found that fluorescent labelling works well for tracking microplastics while metal labelling is more sensitive for nanoplastics research, though a major challenge remains in developing techniques that do not alter the inherent properties of the plastic particles being studied.
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.