We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and nanoplastics detection using flow cytometry: Challenges and methodological advances with fluorescent dye application
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the use of flow cytometry for detecting and counting micro- and nanoplastics in water, including challenges with fluorescent dye application. Researchers found that the technique can detect particles as small as 200 nanometers but that undissolved dye in water samples remains a significant source of measurement error. The review highlights recent methodological improvements and identifies remaining challenges that need to be addressed for reliable nanoplastic quantification.
Flow cytometry (FC) enables the precise quantification of specific types of microparticles and larger nanoparticles (>200 nm) in liquid media. Initially developed for biological applications, this technique has recently been adapted to the environmental field for the measurement of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). Nile Red, a fluorochrome extensively used in MNP analysis due to its effectiveness and accessibility, has been applied to significantly enhance the sensitivity and specificity of MNP detection of this technique. Additionally, flow cytometry offers the advantage of automated detection, allowing the quantification of smaller particles, including those under 1 µm, which are often missed by traditional spectroscopic methods. However, despite its promise, the presence of undissolved dye in aqueous media presents a significant challenge for accurate quantification. In recent years, various methodologies have been developed to overcome these limitations, including the use of co-solvents, surfactants, and pre-filtration or pre-sonication techniques to enhance quantification accuracy. This review examines recent literature on MNPs detection via FC, with a focus on technical improvements made and the remaining metrological challenges, offering insights into how this method can be further refined for future investigations.
More Papers Like This
Can flow cytometry emerge as a high-throughput technique for micro- and nanoplastics analysis in complex environmental aqueous matrices?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the potential of flow cytometry — a technique that rapidly analyzes individual particles — as a high-throughput tool for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in water samples, finding it excels at measuring particles smaller than 20 micrometers that other methods struggle to detect. Using fluorescent dyes to tag plastics, the approach could enable near-real-time environmental monitoring at a scale no other current technique can match.
Flow Cytometry as a Rapid Alternative to Quantify Small Microplastics in Environmental Water Samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a flow cytometry method using fluorescent staining to rapidly detect and quantify small microplastics (1-50 micrometers) in environmental water samples, achieving over 80% recovery rates and significantly reducing analysis time compared to traditional microscopy.
Quantitively Analyzing the Variation of Micrometer-Sized Microplastic during Water Treatment with the Flow Cytometry-Fluorescent Beads Method
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a flow cytometry-fluorescent bead method for quantitatively measuring the removal of micrometer-sized microplastics during water treatment processes, demonstrating a rapid and reliable analytical approach for evaluating treatment plant efficiency.
Flow cytometry as new promising detection tool for micro and submicron plastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated flow cytometry as a detection tool for micro- and nanoplastics, testing its ability to rapidly identify and count plastic particles in environmental and biological samples. Results demonstrated that flow cytometry offers a promising high-throughput approach for microplastic detection compared to more time-intensive conventional methods.
Separation and flow cytometry analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers improved a flow cytometry method for counting and separating microplastics and nanoplastics stained with a fluorescent dye called Nile Red. By adjusting the chemical solution used in detection, they reduced particle clumping and improved measurement accuracy for plastic particles across a range of sizes. The refined technique offers a faster and more reliable way to quantify plastic pollution in environmental and biological samples.
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.