Combining microcavity size selection with Raman microscopy for the characterization of Nanoplastics in complex matrices.

ABSTRACT: Nanoplastic particulates (pNP) are widely considered as being potentially harmful to the environment and living organisms while also being technically difficult to detect and identify in the presence of biological matrices. In this study, we describe a method for the extraction and subsequent Raman analysis of pNP present in the tissues of salt-water mussels. The process combines a step of enzymatic digestion/filtering to eliminate the biological matrix with a detection/identification procedure, which uses a micro-machined surface, composed of arrays of cavities with well-defined sub-micron depths and diameters. This sensor surface, exploits capillary forces in a drying droplet of analyte solution to drive the self-assembly of suspended nanoparticles into the cavities leaving the individua

SUBMITTER: Valsesia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7801455 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature