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Exploring Innovative Approaches for the Analysis of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Breakthroughs in (Bio)Sensing Techniques
Denise Margarita Rivera-Rivera1,2, Gabriela Elizabeth Quintanilla-Villanueva3, Donato Luna-Moreno3
1Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico.
Biosensors
|January 24, 2025
Summary
Microplastics and nanoplastics pose significant environmental and health risks. Innovative biosensing technologies offer promising, sensitive, and specific methods for detecting these pervasive pollutants, aiding in monitoring and remediation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Plastic pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) is a global concern due to persistence and toxicity.
- MPs/NPs contaminate ecosystems and human tissues, adsorbing and releasing harmful pollutants.
- Accurate detection of MPs/NPs is crucial for risk assessment and mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging analytical methods for detecting microplastics and nanoplastics.
- To highlight the potential of biosensors as advanced tools for MP/NP detection.
- To discuss challenges and future prospects in MP/NP sensing technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of physical (microscopy) and chemical (FTIR, Raman, Py-GC-MS) analytical techniques.
- Exploration of emerging biosensing technologies: electrochemical, plasmonic (SPR, SERS), and fluorescent biosensors.
- Discussion of challenges in detection, including particle size, complex matrices, and real-world conditions.
Main Results:
- Traditional methods have limitations in specificity, sensitivity, and sample handling.
- Biosensors offer cost-effective, portable, sensitive, and specific detection of MPs/NPs and associated pollutants.
- Innovative approaches like SPR, SERS, and fluorescent biosensors show significant potential for advanced monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Biosensors represent a significant advancement in analytical methods for microplastic and nanoplastic detection.
- Further research is needed to test sensing technologies under real environmental conditions.
- Exploring novel recognition elements, such as peptides, could enhance future sensing capabilities.
