We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Isolating microplastics from human milk: a chemical digestion approach for effective polymer extraction and ATR-FTIR analysis
Summary
Researchers developed and evaluated a chemical digestion method for isolating microplastics from human breast milk, addressing the challenges posed by the high fat and protein content of this matrix. The method enabled ATR-FTIR polymer identification of MPs extracted from milk samples, providing a validated protocol for studying infant dietary MP exposure.
INTRODUCTION: Detecting microplastics (MPs) in human milk remains a major challenge due to its complex biological matrix containing a high content of lipids and proteins, which limits research in this area. The lack of a standardized protocol for MP extraction from breast milk presents a significant gap in environmental exposure research. OBJECTIVE(S): This study aims to develop and evaluate a chemical digestion method to effectively isolate MPs from human milk, enabling polymer identification using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. MATERIALS & METHODS: An optimized extraction protocol was developed, involving a lipid removal step with hexane (1:1), followed by sequential digestion with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to eliminate organic matter. Digested samples were filtered and dried before ATR-FTIR analysis. Positive and negative controls were used to assess recovery efficiency and contamination risk. RESULTS: The optimized protocol preserved microplastic integrity and enabled the identification of several polymer types, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyacrylamide. Positive controls demonstrated high MP recovery, while negative controls confirmed minimal contamination throughout the process. CONCLUSION: This study presents a reliable and reproducible chemical digestion protocol for isolating and identifying MPs in human milk. The findings highlight the presence of environmental pollutants in a critical early-life nutrition source, underscoring the potential health implications for infants and the broader need for planetary health research addressing MP pollution. This protocol may serve as a foundation for future biomonitoring efforts involving complex biological matrices.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Optimizing hexane, KOH, and H2O2 methods for lipid removal and organic matter digestion in microplastic analysis of human milk
Researchers developed and optimized a method for isolating microplastics from human breast milk, a particularly challenging sample due to its high fat and protein content. Using a combination of hexane for lipid removal and potassium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide for organic matter digestion, they were able to successfully extract and identify microplastic particles. The study provides a validated analytical approach that could help future research assess infant exposure to microplastics through breastfeeding.
Detection of diverse microplastic polymers in human breast milk
Researchers detected microplastics in human breast milk samples using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, identifying a range of polymer types including polyethylene, polypropylene, and others, raising concerns about infant exposure to plastics during breastfeeding.
Sample Preparation Protocol for the Extraction and Raman analysis of Small Microplastics in Infant Milk Formula
Researchers published a standard operating procedure for extracting microplastics from infant milk formula using optimized chemical digestion steps to remove proteins, fats, and carbohydrates while preserving microplastic integrity for subsequent µ-Raman spectroscopy identification.
Feasibility of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy for direct microplastic search in the human milk samples: Comparative qualitative study
Researchers tested whether infrared and Raman spectroscopy could detect microplastics directly in human breast milk without harsh chemical processing that might damage the samples. They found these methods can serve as a useful screening tool for common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene in milk, which matters because breast milk is a direct route of microplastic exposure for infants.
C01 | Validation of an analytical protocol for the isolation of microplastics and microfibers in milk: preliminary study of contamination in raw milk samples
Researchers validated an analytical protocol for isolating microplastics and microfibers from raw cow's milk samples, adapting digestion and filtration methods for the high-fat and protein content of dairy. The validated method detected MPs in preliminary milk samples, providing a foundation for dietary MP exposure assessment.