Applications

Uncovering Microplastics using FLIM and Phasor Analysis

Microplastics are water insoluble synthetic polymer particles in the size range of 1 µm to 5 mm. They can be either be intentionally manufactured (primarily produced), or formed through the degradation of larger plastic objects. Their persistence in the environment is an emerging concern as a pollutant with potential health implications. Therefore, the quantification of microplastic particles represents an important analytical challenge. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy are currently the reference methods for their quantification, but these techniques are often time-consuming. This application note presents proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating a faster and chemically selective approach using Nile red staining combined with a CMOS-based widefield time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) camera for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).

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Uncovering Microplastics using FLIM and Phasor Analysis
Microplastics are small particles of synthetic polymers, typically ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm that are insoluble in water. They can either be intentionally manufactured or they can form through the mechanical degradation of larger plastic objects. Their persistence and resistance to environmental degradation in natural ecosystems means that these particles are now recognized as emerging contaminants of global concern.
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