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The potential of fluorescent dyes—comparative study of Nile red and three derivatives for the detection of microplastics
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Researchers compared Nile red and three newly developed fluorescent dye derivatives for staining microplastics, finding that the derivatives achieved greater selectivity for plastic particles and more intense fluorescence than standard Nile red, improving detection sensitivity.
During the last years, microplastics in the environment came to the fore in environmental science research. For an appropriate risk assessment, it is essential to know the levels of microplastic contamination in the environment. In the field of microplastic detection, extensive research has been carried out in recent years. While common methods such as Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC-MS are time-consuming and require trained staff and expensive equipment, there is the need for a cheap and easily applicable method. Staining microplastics with the fluorescent dye Nile red (NR) has a high potential to fulfill these criteria. In our work, we tested Nile red and newly developed derivatives, with the aim of achieving greater selectivity for plastic particles and more intense fluorescence. In addition, the influence of using different solvents and water at different pH values in the dyeing process was investigated by analyzing solid sample fluorescence spectra of dyed microplastics and natural particles. Finally, the method developed from the acquired knowledge was tested for sea salt. Graphical abstract.
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Staining Strategies for the Fluorescence Detection of Nano-Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed fluorescence-based detection strategies for nano- and microplastics, comparing organic dyes — particularly Nile Red — with emerging fluorescent nanoparticles such as carbon dots, and assessed how staining characteristics, selectivity, and imaging modality affect detection reliability across environmental and biological matrices.
Staining Strategies for the Fluorescence Detection of Nano-Microplastics
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Researchers reviewed fluorescence-based staining strategies for detecting nano- and microplastics, comparing the widely used dye Nile Red against emerging alternatives such as carbon dots and conjugated polymer nanoparticles, and evaluating the advantages and limitations of each approach for visual identification.
Labeling Microplastics with Fluorescent Dyes for Detection, Recovery, and Degradation Experiments
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Researchers optimized fluorescent dye staining protocols for labeling 17 different plastic polymer types using four textile dyes and Nile red for detection, recovery, and degradation experiments. Dye performance varied significantly by polymer type and staining conditions, and standardized protocols were recommended to improve comparability across microplastic studies.
Suitability of Nile Red Dye for In-Situ Microplastic Detection
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This thesis evaluated the suitability of Nile Red fluorescent dye for detecting microplastics in environmental samples, examining its effectiveness and limitations for field use. Accurate and affordable detection methods are essential for tracking plastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
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