Uncovering the Impact of Microplastics on Human Health: A Step-by-Step Guide
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has outlined best practices for analyzing microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in biological samples. The work, published last month in the journal Nature Reviews Bioengineering, aims to address the challenges posed by the complexities of biological matrices and the lack of standardized protocols.
According to the study, the best practices for MNP analysis involve combining complementary advanced analytical methods and tailoring sample preparation protocols to the specific biological matrix. A leading approach integrates three techniques: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI), and imaging mass cytometry (IMC). This workflow enables the quantification of nanoscale particle distribution and accumulation in complex biological matrices.
Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy methods are also crucial for MNP analysis. Electron Microscopy (SEM and TEM) provides high-resolution morphological and elemental characterization of MNPs, while Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) with MALDI coupled to Orbitrap or TOF analyzers allows high-resolution in situ chemical mapping of microplastics in tissues. Other techniques, such as Raman Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), can aid in the identification of plastic polymer types and the detection of particles.
Tailored sample preparation is essential due to the varying compositions of different biological samples. For instance, separating MNPs from shell material in clams or lignin in plants requires different approaches. Accounting for particle shape and surface characteristics is also vital, as real MNPs vary in shape, size, and surface properties, influencing their biological behavior and interaction with contaminants.
Current limitations in MNP analysis include difficulties in detecting trace levels, diverse biological matrices requiring different digestion and separation techniques, particle shape complexities affecting analysis, and the lack of standardized protocols. However, emerging solutions such as metal-doped plastic tracers and machine learning algorithms hold promise for overcoming these challenges.
While the accuracy of detecting, characterizing, and quantifying MNPs in biological samples is expected to improve, it's important to note that human trials confirming the detrimental effects of microplastics on human health are yet to be conducted. Some research has linked microplastics to health complications, but these findings are not definitive.
Machine learning algorithms can help reduce labor time and cost in MNP identification and characterization, making the process more efficient and accessible. As research in this field continues to evolve, these guidelines will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of the impact of MNPs on human health and the environment.
Read also:
- Trump's SNAP reductions and New York City Council's grocery delivery legislation: Problems for city residents highlighted
- Reducing dental expenses for elderlies in Sweden: Over 50% cut in charges for pensioners by the government
- Forty-year-old diet: A list of meal choices to savor
- Exiled Life's Conundrum: A Blend of Liberation, Disillusionment, and Distress
