A Critical Review on Analytical Techniques for Microplastics in Food Commodities.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microplastic (MP) contamination in food poses significant global health risks.
• MPs are found in various food items like seafood, salt, water, and dairy.
• Understanding MP detection is crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate current analytical techniques for MP detection, identification, and quantification in food.
• To discuss the strengths and limitations of conventional and emerging detection methods.
• To identify challenges and propose future directions for MP analysis in food.

Main Methods:

• Review of conventional analytical techniques: microscopy (light, fluorescence, SEM), spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman), thermal analysis (TGA, DSC, Py-GC/MS).
• Evaluation of advanced methods: chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, MALDI-MS), nanoparticle-based sensors, DNA biosensors, lab-on-a-chip devices, AI-assisted imaging.
• Analysis of method sensitivity, specificity, applicability, and sample preparation requirements.

Main Results:

• Conventional methods offer established but sometimes limited detection capabilities.
• Advanced techniques provide molecular insights and potential for rapid, sensitive, portable detection.
• Challenges include complex food matrices, lack of standardized protocols, and regulatory gaps.

Conclusions:

• Harmonized methodologies and standardized protocols are essential for reliable MP monitoring.
• Interdisciplinary research is needed to address the complexities of MP analysis in food.
• Innovative detection strategies are crucial for safeguarding food safety from microplastic contamination.