Publication details
Seeing the Unseen: Chemical and 3D Imaging Insights into Microplastics in Biological Matrices
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| Citation | |
| Description | The pervasive release of plastic debris into the environment has emerged as a critical long-term challenge, particularly in the detection and quantification of microplastics (MPs) within diverse environmental matrices and biological systems. MPs originate from multiple anthropogenic sources, including seafood, food additives, packaging, and industrial or agricultural products. Although their presence is now well-known in environmental media and biological systems, the mechanisms governing their distribution and the full extent of their toxicological effects in humans remain insufficiently understood. Mounting evidence suggests that MPs ingested via contaminated food or packaging may adversely impact both ecosystem integrity and human health [1]. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has demonstrated strong potential for identifying polymer modifications [2] and detecting embedded metal markers [3]. However, its direct application to MPs analysis has thus far been largely limited to tracing adsorbed metals on particle surfaces [4]. This work seeks to expand the analytical scope of LA-ICP-MS by enabling high-resolution detection and imaging of MPs within biological tissues, thereby improving our ability to monitor their bio-distribution and assess potential health risks. This presentation proposes a combined methodology integrating element-specific imaging from LA-ICP-MS with micro-computed tomography (µCT) volumetry to establish a robust analytical framework for precise characterization and spatial mapping of MPs in organ systems. As a proof-of-concept, two size fractions of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs were introduced into homogenized tissue, and across the entire organs, to simulate realistic accumulation scenarios. MPs were visualized through direct detection of 121Sb and 59Co, incorporated as polymer additives, enabling simultaneous chemical identification and three-dimensional localization. Furthermore, Sb and Co content were quantified via in-house matrix-matched standards of PET. This integrated approach offers a promising pathway toward a “gold-standard” protocol for MPs characterization in biological matrices. |
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