Scientists Uncover Microplastics in Human Tissue: A Non-Damaging Breakthrough
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have successfully visualized microplastics within human tissue without causing any harm, marking a significant advancement in understanding the impact of plastic pollution on human health. This achievement is attributed to a team from MedUni Vienna, who, in collaboration with the Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing (RECENDT) in Linz, have developed a novel technique called optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (OPTIR).
The OPTIR technique, as described in the journals Analytical Chemistry and Scientific Reports, enables the detection and mapping of microplastic particles directly within intact human tissue samples. By utilizing infrared light, OPTIR identifies the chemical 'fingerprint' of various plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while preserving the tissue's structural integrity. This method represents a paradigm shift in microplastics research, overcoming the limitations of destructive analytical methods that previously hindered precise location identification.
The team's innovative approach extends to the use of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, a common storage method in pathology labs worldwide. This application allows researchers to establish a direct link between plastic contamination and microscopic and genetic changes in human tissue. The study's findings reveal the presence of multiple microplastic types in human colon samples, often concentrated in areas exhibiting inflammation. Furthermore, tests conducted on mice and 3D cell cultures demonstrated the technique's ability to detect particles as minuscule as 250 nanometres (0.00025 mm).
Lukas Kenner, from MedUni Vienna's Clinical Department of Pathology, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, 'By combining infrared fingerprinting with non-destructive imaging, we can now precisely determine where microplastics reside in the body and their correlation with disease processes. This development is a crucial step toward comprehending the health implications of microplastic exposure.'
The OPTIR technique's unique capability to retain both spatial and chemical information from samples bridges the gap between environmental science, toxicology, and pathology. This opens up possibilities for comprehensive, real-world assessments of plastic exposure, which is increasingly prevalent in food, water, and air. As the infiltration of microplastics continues, the ability to trace their journey through human tissue becomes pivotal in deciphering the health impact of microplastic exposure.
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