Scientists from the AURORA project, led by Kuanliang Shao of Emory University, published a new study reviewing available methods to detect micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human biofluids and tissue. Published in Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, the research focuses on understanding the limitations and challenges of current measurement techniques, particularly regarding their scalability for population-wide biomonitoring.
Shao et al. provide an overview of the main techniques currently available, including Raman Microspectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy, Liquid and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, among others. These methods each come with certain limitations. Many are highly labor-intensive and may not be versatile enough to identify a wide range of MNP types. According to the authors, the current lack of standardization in measurement protocols further complicates comparisons across studies and undermines progress in understanding MNP exposure on a population scale.
The study emphasizes the need for scalable, high-throughput approaches that could be applied in large-scale biomonitoring programs. The researchers advocate for enhanced research methods that also incorporate appropriate quality assessment and control to enable accurate and reliable exposure data on MNPs in human tissues. Such improvements, they argue, are essential to fully assess and better understand the potential public health implications of MNP exposure.
The published research forms part of the AURORA project, which is specifically investigating the health impacts of MNPs on maternal and early-life health. The project started in 2021 and will come to an end in 2025.
Reference
Shao K. et al. (2024) “Advancements in assays for micro- and nanoplastic detection: Paving the way for biomonitoring and exposomics studies.” Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-030424-112828
