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Isolation and characterization of microplastics from human blood samples by confocal RAMAN microscopy
Antonio José Sarabia1, Belén Martínez2, María de Los Ángeles Martínez3
1Department of Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén 23071, Spain.
Methodsx
|March 12, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a contamination-controlled method for detecting microplastics (MPs) in human blood using Raman microscopy. The protocol ensures reliable identification of plastic particles like polystyrene in blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Their presence in human tissues and fluids necessitates robust analytical methods.
- Current methods face challenges with complex biological matrices and contamination risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a systematic, reproducible protocol for detecting MPs in human blood.
- To implement strict contamination controls and ensure analytical reliability.
- To provide a framework for future human exposure studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized confocal Raman microscopy for MP detection in human blood.
- Incorporated rigorous contamination-control measures, including negative and positive controls.
- Employed the open-source platform Open Specy for spectral data comparison and polymer identification.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected and characterized MPs in human blood samples.
- Identified specific polymers including polystyrene (PS), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyethylene (PE).
- Demonstrated high specificity of the developed protocol for MP detection in blood.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol offers a contamination-controlled analytical framework for MP detection in human blood.
- Reference materials and controls enhance data reliability and trace contamination sources.
- Open-source spectral comparison facilitates confident polymer identification, supporting exposure studies.
