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Response on the commentary by B. Wilhelmus, M. Gahleitner, and M. A. Pemberton, on the manuscript by M. Brits, M.J.M. van Velzen, F.Ö. Sefiloglu, L. Scibetta, Q. Groenewoud, J.J. Garcia-Vallejo, A.D. Vethaak, S.H. Brandsma, M.H. Lamoree. Quantitation of micro and nanoplastics in human blood by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: a follow-up study. Microplastics and Nanoplastics (2024) 4:12
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Researchers responded to peer criticism of their study measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in human blood using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, defending their methods for identifying and quantifying plastic polymers and calling for collaborative, open-minded research to advance this emerging field. The exchange highlights ongoing scientific debate about the reliability of current techniques for detecting nanoplastics in human tissues.
This is a response on the commentary paper by B. Wilhelmus, M. Gahleitner, and M. A. Pemberton, on our paper “Quantitation of Micro and Nanoplastics in Human Blood by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: a follow-up study” that was published in Microplastics and Nanoplastics (2024) 4:12. We have provided answers to their questions regarding the limitations they see in the use of pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, especially with regard to identification of polymers, quantification, sensitivity and reliability. Furthermore, a brief reflection on the state-of-the-art and the way forward to advance the quantitative analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in human materials is provided by giving a few specific recommendations. We also call for carrying out research with an open mind in multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative manner.
More Papers Like This
Commentary on paper by M. Brits, M.J.M. van Velzen, F.Ö Sefiloglu, L. Scibetta, Q. Groenewoud, J.J. Garcia-Vallejo, A.D. Vethaak, S.H. Brandsma, M.H. Lamoree. Quantitation of Micro and Nanoplastics in Human Blood by Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: a follow-up study. Microplastics and Nanoplastics (2024) 4:12
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Researchers reviewed a new method for measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in human blood using a technique called pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which breaks down plastic particles and identifies them by their chemical fingerprint. The commentary highlights that while the approach is promising, concerns about its accuracy and reliability need to be resolved before it can be widely accepted by the scientific community.
Advancing pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the accurate quantification of micro- and nanoplastics in human blood
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Researchers developed and refined pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a technique that heats plastics to identify their chemical fingerprints) to more accurately measure micro- and nanoplastics directly in human blood. Improving this method is critical because reliable detection in biological samples is a key step toward understanding how much plastic exposure humans are actually experiencing.
Assessing the Efficacy of Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Nanoplastic and Microplastic Analysis in Human Blood
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Researchers tested whether a common lab technique (pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) can reliably measure nanoplastics in human blood. They found that realistic detection limits were up to 20 times higher than ideal conditions suggest, and certain common plastics like polyethylene produced false readings due to interference from blood components. The study concludes that better analytical methods are needed before we can accurately measure plastic levels in human blood.
Quantitation of micro and nanoplastics in human blood by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
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Researchers developed and validated an improved method using pyrolysis-gas chromatography to measure specific plastic polymer types in human blood, detecting plastics in 64 out of 68 blood samples tested with a mean concentration of 268 nanograms per milliliter. Polyethylene was the most common polymer found, underscoring that microplastic and nanoplastic particles are already circulating inside the human body.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Blood: Current Evidence, Practical Measurement Limitations, and the Need for Scalable Tests for Public Health Studies and Routine Clinical Use
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Scientists have confirmed tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) are showing up in human blood, but this review shows that different labs use very different testing methods, making it hard to compare results or track how plastic exposure might affect our health over time. That matters because without a standardized, reliable blood test, we can't yet answer basic questions like how much plastic is in our bodies, whether it's increasing, or what health risks it poses, though the researchers highlight a new testing approach in development that could help solve this problem.
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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.