Nanoplastic: Why Characterization is the Key for Research and Innovation
We often talk about the "Plastic Age," but we are rapidly entering the "Nanoplastic Frontier." While microplastics have been the focus of research for years, nanoplastics—particles smaller than 1 micrometer—represent a unique scientific challenge.
Standard characterization techniques often fail at the nanoscale, especially when dealing with polydisperse samples (mixtures of different sizes). At InspectT, we are developing two cutting-edge techniques that might redefine what is possible.
Raman-DOSY: Solving the Polydispersity Puzzle
Nanoplastics in real-world environments are rarely uniform: They are a chaotic mix of various polymers and sizes. As shown in this article, Raman-DOSY (Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy) can help for their analysis by providing:
Simultaneous Analysis: It combines Raman chemical "fingerprinting" with DOSY’s ability to separate components based on their diffusion (size).
Accuracy: It provides a clear map of which polymer is which size, even in a "polydisperse" sample.
IR-DOSY: Probing the Biological Interface
When a nanoplastic enters the bloodstream, it is coated by proteins, forming what scientists call a "protein corona." This corona determines how the body reacts to the plastic. IR-DOSY (Infrared Diffusion Ordered SpectroscopY) can help to study the protein corona by using the infrared “chemical” fingerprints. For instance, IR-DOSY can detect if a nanoplastic triggers protein misfolding—a critical factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. By analyzing distinct diffusion rates, this technique allows researchers to differentiate between the structures of free-floating proteins and those bound to nanoplastics, providing a clear window into how these particles disrupt biological systems.
Nanoplastic research is the bridge between material innovation and public health. By utilizing advanced spectroscopic tools like Raman-DOSY and IR-DOSY, we address the challenge of characterizing plastic nanoparticles.
Interested in these applications? Contact us: info@inspectt.nl