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New Laser Test Maps Microplastics Inside Living Bodies
15 Jun
Summary
- A breakthrough laser test can now map microplastics in living tissue.
- Photoacoustic imaging uses laser light to detect soundwaves from microplastics.
- This non-invasive method studies microplastic impact on human health.
A revolutionary non-invasive testing method now allows scientists to map microplastics within living tissue. Developed by researchers from University College London, Kingston University, and the University of Birmingham, this technique utilizes photoacoustic imaging. Pulses of laser light are directed into tissue, and when absorbed by microplastics, they generate high-frequency soundwaves.
These soundwaves enable the creation of detailed maps indicating the precise location of microplastics inside the body. This breakthrough eliminates the need for biopsies or post-dissection analysis, opening new avenues for research into the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure. Common plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene have been detected in experiments.
The study, published in Advanced Science, demonstrated the technique's efficacy in detecting microplastics deep within the living tissue of mice. Researchers envision this versatile method could also aid in studying the behavior of other medical implants within the body, potentially improving patient safety and outcomes for procedures involving devices like hernia meshes.
