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Radiolabeling of Micro-/Nanoplastics via In-Diffusion
Summary
Researchers developed a radiolabeling method for micro- and nanoplastics by introducing a 64Cu radiotracer into common plastics including polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and others via an in-diffusion technique. The approach provides a sensitive and selective detection strategy for tracking plastic particles in complex ecological media, addressing a key challenge in environmental impact research.
Micro- and nanoplastics are emerging pollutants with a concerning persistence in the environment. Research into their environmental impact requires addressing challenges related to sensitively and selectively detecting them in complex ecological media. One solution with great potential for alleviating these issues is using radiolabeling strategies. Here, we report the successful introduction of a 64Cu radiotracer into common microplastics, namely polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyamide, and polyvinylidene dichloride, which allows the sensitive detection of mere nanograms of substance. Utilizing a Hansen Solubility Parameter screening, we developed a swelling and in-diffusion process for tetraphenylporphyrin-complexed 64Cu, which permits one-pot labeling of polymer particles.