On December 15, 2025, scientists from the AURORA project, led by Laurens Mandemaker, Bert Weckhuysen and Florian Meirer from Utrecht University, published a peer-reviewed article reviewing available methods for analyzing and synthesizing fluorescent micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles in the peer-reviewed journal Microplastics and Nanoplastics.
Fluorescence-based analytical methods are increasingly used in environmental and toxicological studies to detect and analyze MNP particles. In their work, the team emphasizes the potential offluorescence-based methods, especially for detecting nanoplastics (NPs), to better understand their effects and behaviors.
The review explores various fluorescence-based detection techniques and synthesis strategies for creating fluorescent NPs. It highlights the overlap with methods used for microplastics (MPs) and identifies gaps in current knowledge and methodologies.
Existing strategies for obtaining fluorescent NPs, such as commercially available polystyrene beads and dye-loading synthesis routes, are seen by the authors as inadequate and not representative of NPs present in the natural environment. The article suggests that recent advancements provide promising alternatives, and that the field should shift away from the current status quo on fluorescent NPs.It concludes by recommending a set of research approaches for creating fluorescent secondary NPs and offers a roadmap to help researchers choose the best methods for their studies. The recommendations will support the AURORA,CUSP projects and the field in general with robust and standardized methodologies to analyze MNPs. Looking ahead, the ultimate goal is to improve NP detection techniques to enable better environmental and health risk assessments.
Reference
Van den Akker, K., Mandemaker, L.D.B et al. (December 2025) “Fluorescent nanoplastics: What steps are needed towards a representative toolkit?” Microplastics and Nanoplastics. DOI: 10.1186/s43591-025-00159-0
