This innovative device utilizes fluorescent labeling to detect plastic particles as small as 50 nanometres to 10 microns, which are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. Results can be obtained within minutes, making it an accessible tool for both professionals and individuals curious about the presence of plastics in their daily lives. The method and findings of this research are detailed in the journal ACS Sensors.
"The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health," said Dr. Tianxi Yang, assistant professor in the faculty of land and food systems, who led the development of the tool. "This new technique allows quick, cheap detection of these plastics, which could help protect our health and ecosystems."
Nanoplastics, the smallest particles that result from degrading plastic materials, pose particular risks to human health due to their ability to absorb toxins and penetrate biological barriers in the body. Typically, detecting these plastics has required skilled personnel and expensive equipment. Dr. Yang's team aimed to make this process faster, more accessible, and more reliable.
The device, which is both portable and biodegradable, consists of a 3D-printed box housing a wireless digital microscope, a green LED light, and an excitation filter. By using customized MATLAB software paired with machine-learning algorithms, the device can analyze images captured by the microscope and provide a clear readout of the number of plastic particles in a sample.
The device requires only a tiny liquid sample, less than a drop of water, and makes the plastic particles visible by causing them to glow under the green LED light. The results are easy to interpret, whether by a technician in a food processing lab or an individual curious about the safety of their morning coffee.
In their study, the team tested disposable polystyrene cups by filling them with boiling distilled water and allowing it to cool. The results revealed that these cups released hundreds of millions of nano-sized plastic particles, some smaller than one-hundredth the width of a human hair.
"Once the microscope in the box captures the fluorescent image, the app matches the image's pixel area with the number of plastics," explained co-author Haoming (Peter) Yang, a master's student in the faculty of land and food systems. "The readout shows if plastics are present and how much. Each test costs only 1.5 cents."
While the current device is calibrated to measure polystyrene, the machine-learning algorithm can be adapted to detect other types of plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The research team is now working to commercialize the device for broader applications in analyzing plastic particles.
The long-term health impacts of ingesting plastic particles from food, beverages, and airborne sources are still under investigation, but initial findings suggest a cause for concern. "To reduce plastic ingestion, it is important to consider avoiding petroleum-based plastic products by opting for alternatives like glass or stainless steel for food containers. The development of biodegradable packaging materials is also important for replacing traditional plastics and moving towards a more sustainable world," said Dr. Yang.
Research Report:Cost-Effective and Wireless Portable Device for Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Micro/Nanoplastics
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