Detection of Unlabeled Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Tissue by Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy
- Authors
- Kristina Duswald, Verena Pichler, Verena Kopatz, Tanja Limberger, Verena Karl, David Hennerbichler, Robert Zimmerleiter, Wolfgang Wadsak, Mike Hettich, Elisabeth S. Gruber, Lukas Kenner, Markus Brandstetter
- Journal
- Analytical Chemistry
- Published
Abstract
Building on these advances, our next step is improving how we detect micro- and nanoplastics in complex biological samples, such as biopsies. In our publication, “Detection of Unlabeled Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Tissue by Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy,” we present a new, highly sensitive technique that allows us to identify tiny plastic particles in tissue without needing to label them. This is an important step in analytical methodology, helping us trace and study microplastics more accurately, while bringing us closer to understanding how these particles might interact with living systems.