Detection and characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics in biological samples

Abstract

Plastic pollution from microplastics (1 μm–5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm) is an emerging global threat. These particles have been detected in water, soil, atmospheric samples and even in naturally sampled organisms and human tissues/organs with potential ecological and health risks. However, most detection techniques are better suited for microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) identification in ideal media (such as water) and face limitations when analysing biological samples. This issue must be addressed because the minimum sizes of MNPs found in organisms are often larger than those detected in water. In this Review, we discuss current progress in the detection, identification and analysis of MNPs in naturally sampled organisms and the human body. Moreover, we provide recommendations for how to improve the workflows of detection and labelling of MNPs in biological samples. Despite microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) being identified in different organisms and humans, current detection and characterization techniques are mainly tailored for environmental samples. In this Review, the authors highlight strategies to improve workflows of digestion, separation, enrichment, detection and analysis of MNPs in biological samples, and discuss the presence of MNPs in the human body.