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Toward Scalable Detection of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Biological Systems: Alignment with STOMP Objectives and Preliminary Feasibility Data
Summary
This preliminary study described a non-destructive, image-based optical framework that detects microplastics and nanoplastics in intact biofluids such as urine and blood without sample destruction, showing reproducible spatial and temporal signal patterns in spiked matrices. The authors proposed this approach as a pathway toward scalable, high-throughput monitoring of human microplastic exposure aligned with the ARPA-H STOMP program objectives.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly detected in human blood, urine, and tissues, yet scalable, non-destructive methods for routine systemic exposure measurement remain unavailable. Current laboratory techniques are destructive, low-throughput, and unsuitable for longitudinal or population-scale monitoring. The ARPA-H STOMP program identifies scalable measurement, mechanistic insight, and eventual removal as priority needs. Here we describe a non-destructive, image-based optical framework that detects emergent interaction signatures in intact biofluids. Preliminary experiments in spiked urine and blood-relevant matrices demonstrate reproducible spatial and temporal patterns consistent with MNP presence, including earlier signal formation under nanoplastic conditions. An ongoing volunteer-based calibration study is evaluating biological variability and repeatability. This approach offers a pathway toward decentralized, high-throughput MNP monitoring that directly supports STOMP objectives.