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SciPi 770: Best Practices: Detecting and Quantifying Micro- Nanoplastics (MNP) in Biological Tissues
Are these methods compatible with determination of chemical ID of MNPs and/or chemical fingerprints commonly used to identify a particle as plastic compared to other entities in the sample?
Results
(8 Answers)
Most experts (6 out of 8) agree that sample preparation methods are generally compatible with chemical identification of microplastic particles (MNPs), though with important qualifications. Several experts specifically mention spectroscopic techniques like micro-FT-IR, micro-Raman, and Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR) as compatible methods.
However, there is consensus that compatibility depends on several factors:
- The specific digestion method used (enzymatic digestion noted as best for polymer preservation)
- The sensitivity of the polymers being studied
- The type of spectral analysis employed
- The tissue type being examined
Two experts explicitly answered "No," with one clarifying that compatibility varies by tissue and particle type, recommending that each study should perform polymer compatibility tests. Several experts emphasize the need for proper validation and case-by-case assessment of methods.
Summary Generated by AI
Answer Explanations
- NoExpert 3Generally, yes.
- YesExpert 9To my knowledge - which is restricted to determination of MNPs in air, beverages, dust, and water - yes, sample preparation via H2O2 digestion is compatible with e.g. micro-FT-IR. I am also aware that other researchers successfully employ laser direct infrared spectroscopy, and micro-Raman Spectroscopy.
- YesExpert 4Yes - this is the case provided that the methods are properly validated and that a case by case assessment is performed on the best method for the case at hand. This assessment should be evaluated after the finalization of the identification of the plastic, including evaluation of all relevant QA/QC criteria.
- YesExpert 2Various sample preparation methods could be compatible with chemical identification of MNPs. The compatibility depends on the strength of the digestion method, the sensitivity of the studied polymers, and also on the type of the chosen spectral analysis. The enzymatic digestion method could the highest level of polymer preservation, thus making it ideal for chemical fingerprinting, while the acid digestion should be completely avoided due to its high risk of degrading or destroying many common plastics found in polymers.
- YesExpert 1Mass spectrometric methods can help distinguish MNPs from natural particles.
- NoExpert 8Not all, it depends on the tissue and the particle. Each study should perform polymer compatibility tests with the polymers they expect and the reagents they plan to use. Each study should perform cleanup trials with the tissue and chosen reagents to make sure it thoroughly digests away the tissue.
- YesExpert 6The newly developed Laser Direct Infrared Imaging (LDIR) is an advanced infrared microscopy technique that uses a tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) as the IR source. This technique can achieve most of goals simultaneously, ID of MNPs, size of particles, and counts.
- YesExpert 7May depend on the methods, tissue types and polymer types.
Expert 4
07/31/2025 05:11