We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Identification of Nanoplastics by Probing the Viscous Nanoenvironment
Summary
Researchers developed a cationic fluorescent probe that detects nanoplastics by sensing the viscous nanoenvironment surrounding them rather than reacting with the particle surface, enabling sensitive detection of nanoplastics without relying on conventional reactive functional groups.
With the growing prevalence of global microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, the accumulation of nanoplastics in the human body has increased, heightening the risk of noncommunicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the development of fluorescent probes for detecting nanoplastics remains challenging due to the lack of reactive sites on nanoplastics for conventional design of responsive probes. In this work, a novel strategy for the sensitive detection of nanoplastics by probing the viscous nanoenvironment surrounding them is presented. This study synthesizes a cationic fluorescent probe, Purification by silica gel column chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH) provided (E)-2-(2-(4-(dimethylamino)nanphthalen-1-yl)vinyl)-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indol-1-ium (named HCY due to its structural similarity to hemicyanine dyes) as a tawny solid (HCY), via a simple one-step reaction. HCY demonstrates high sensitivity to nanoplastics, achieving an 8.5-fold fluorescence enhancement in the presence of carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastics, with a detection limit of 0.153 μg mL-1. Moreover, HCY exhibits excellent biocompatibility, enabling the monitoring of nanoplastics level in living cells and visualization of nanoplastics distribution in zebrafish. This work offers a new design strategy for responsive fluorescent probes and provides a promising avenue for detecting environmental pollutants.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Fabrication and characterization of (fluorescent) model nanoplastics for polymer specific detection
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.
Fluorescent labelling as a tool for identifying and quantifying nanoplastics
Researchers used fluorescent labeling with four fluorescent molecules to enable detection of nanoplastics from six common polymer types (PP, LDPE, HDPE, PS, PET, PVC) via 3D fluorescence spectral analysis. The method provides a practical approach to identifying and quantifying nanoplastics in samples where conventional spectroscopic methods face sensitivity challenges.
Illuminating the Invisible: Fluorescent Probes as Emerging Tools for Micro/Nanoplastic Identification
This review traces the development of fluorescent probes for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in environmental samples, from early hydrophobic stains to advanced molecular designs with improved selectivity. Researchers found that newer probe technologies offer significant advantages in sensitivity and throughput compared to conventional detection methods like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The study highlights remaining challenges including standardizing protocols across different environmental matrices and improving detection of the smallest nanoplastic particles.
Facile detection of microplastics from a variety of environmental samples with conjugated polymer nanoparticles
Researchers developed a quick and straightforward method for detecting microplastics in environmental samples using fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles. The technique can identify microplastic particles across a range of sample types without requiring complex laboratory equipment. This approach could make microplastic monitoring more accessible and practical for routine environmental testing.
Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles as a Universal High-Affinity Probe for the Selective Detection of Microplastics
Researchers developed conjugated polymer nanoparticles based on fluorescent diketopyrrolopyrrole prepared by nanoprecipitation as a novel high-affinity probe for selective microplastic detection via fluorescence spectroscopy, addressing the limitations of current detection methods in sensitivity and polymer specificity.