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Effects of defined organic layers on the fluorescence lifetime of plastic materials

Summary

Researchers developed a fast, non-destructive method using fluorescence lifetime imaging to identify different types of plastic particles, even when covered with bacteria, fungi, and proteins. This technique could help scientists quickly detect and study microplastics in the environment without needing extensive cleaning procedures. The study found that biological coatings on plastics don’t prevent accurate identification using this fluorescence method. This advancement could make monitoring plastic pollution easier and more efficient in real environmental samples.

Background

Microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the environment and pose threats to organisms and ecosystems. Current analytical methods for detecting microplastics require extensive sample preparation. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) shows promise for rapid microplastic identification, but the effects of environmental biological contamination on this technique remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate whether organic layers on plastic surfaces affect the ability to identify and differentiate plastic types using frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FD-FLIM). The study examined how peptides, proteins, bacteria, and fungal mycelium coating plastic surfaces influence fluorescence lifetime measurements.

Results

ABS and PET could be reliably distinguished using FD-FLIM even with organic contamination present. Fluorescence spectra showed no significant variation with incubation time. Phase- and modulation-dependent fluorescence lifetimes remained characteristic of each plastic type despite peptide, protein, bacterial, and fungal coatings, though some convolution effects were observed with thicker biofilms.

Conclusion

FD-FLIM demonstrates robust capability for plastic identification and differentiation even in the presence of defined biological contamination layers. These findings support the potential of FD-FLIM as a valuable non-destructive analytical tool for environmental microplastic monitoring without requiring extensive sample cleaning procedures, though quantitative limits for layer thickness effects require further investigation.
  • Published in:Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00216-025-05888-y; PMID: 40346393
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