Analysis of selective fluorescence for the characterization of microplastic fibers: Use of a Nile Red-based analytical method to compare between natural and synthetic fibers

Galvão, Luciana Suarez; Ferreira, Rafaela R.; Fernandes, Emília Mori Sarti; Correia, Carla Almêda; Valera, Ticiane Sanches; Rosa, Derval dos Santos; Wiebeck, Hélio

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130217

Cited by 15 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…This last band was also associated with the vibration of the aromatic ring of coniferyl alcohol, one of the lignin monomers. In contrast, the 1320 cm −1 band referred to the syringyl ring breathing, another of the monomers [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

et al. 2023

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Many studies available in the literature focus mainly on the mechanical characterization of fiber, leaving out other physicochemical and thermogravimetric analyses that allow for establishing its potential as an engineering material. This study characterizes fique fiber for its potential use as an engineering material. The fiber’s chemical composition and physical, thermal, mechanical, and textile properties were analyzed. The fiber has a high holocellulose content and low lignin and pectin content, indicating its potential as a natural composite material for various applications. Infrared spectrum analysis revealed characteristic bands associated with multiple functional groups. The fiber had monofilaments with diameters around 10 μm and 200 μm, as determined by AFM and SEM images, respectively. Mechanical testing showed the fiber could resist a maximum stress of 355.07 MPa, with an average maximum strain at which breakage occurs of 8.7%. The textile characterization revealed a linear density range of 16.34 to 38.83 tex, with an average value of 25.54 tex and a regain of 13.67%. Thermal analysis showed that the fiber’s weight decreased by around 5% due to moisture removal in the range of 40 °C to 100 °C, followed by weight loss due to thermal degradation of hemicellulose and glycosidic linkages of cellulose ranging from 250 to 320 °C. These characteristics suggest that fique fiber can be used in industries such as packaging, construction, composites, and automotive, among others.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

et al. 2023

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“…The fluorescence-labeled MPs were prepared based on established methods to facilitate the visualization of biofragmentation processes and retention effects of MPs in T. molitor larvae. − In brief, a stock solution of Nile Red was prepared by dissolving Nile Red powders (5 mg) in the acetone (10 mL), resulting in a concentration of approximately 500 μg/mL. The raw MPs were then thoroughly mixed with the Nile Red solution in an Eppendorf tube (15 mL).…”

Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nile red dyes steadily stain the entire surface and inside of MPs. To ensure quality control, we rigorously regulated the staining procedures and duration during the preparation of fluorescent PE, PVC, and PLA MPs. − The prepared fluorescence-labeled MPs were thoroughly dried and stored in a dark environment prior to their use in observing biofragmentation and localization of ingested MPs.…”

Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics Biofragmentation and Degradation Kinetics in the Plastivore Insect Tenebrio molitor

Peng,

Wang

2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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The insect Tenebrio molitor possesses an exceptional capacity for ultrafast plastic biodegradation within 1 day of gut retention, but the kinetics remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the biofragmentation and degradation kinetics of different microplastics (MPs), i.e., polyethylene (PE), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), in T. molitor larvae. The intestinal reactions contributing to the in vivo MPs biodegradation were concurrently examined by utilizing aggregated-induced emission (AIE) probes. Our findings revealed that the intestinal biofragmentation rates essentially followed the order of PLA > PE > PVC. Notably, all MPs displayed retention effects in the intestine, with PVC requiring the longest duration for complete removal/digestion. The dynamic rate constant of degradable MPs (0.2108 h −1 for PLA) was significantly higher than that of persistent MPs (0.0675 and 0.0501 h −1 for PE and PVC, respectively) during the digestive gut retention. Surprisingly,T. molitor larvae instinctively modulated their internal digestive environment in response to in vivo biodegradation of various MP polymers. Esterase activity and intestinal acidification both significantly increased following MPs ingestion. The highest esterase and acidification levels were observed in the PLA-fed and PVC-fed larvae, respectively. High digestive esterase activity and relatively low acidification levels inT. molitor larvae may, to some extent, contribute to more efficient MPs removal within the plastic-degrading insect. This work provided important understanding of MPs biofragmentation and intestinal responses to in vivo MPs biodegradation in plastic-degrading insects.

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“…This can take the form of an identification key with different types of visual cues to determine if something should be counted as microplastic or not. For example, as suggested by [20] , some natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, may stain with Nile Red. However, the occurrence of these natural fibres as false positives can be easily countered when fibres are inspected further: natural fibres typically exhibit distinct morphology, such as being internally segmented or twisted around themselves (ribbon-like) [22 , 23] .…”

Section: Additional Informationmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…These results clearly highlight that a fluorescence detection limit of 100 a.u was efficient in identifying up to 90% of plastic particles. However, even when the detection limits are set some false positives do still occur, and it has been reported that Nile Red does not stain some synthetic fibres well [20 , 21] . This implies that while Nile Red is valuable for choosing particles for further screening, it needs to be coupled with methodological visual identification/verification in order to eliminate naturally occurring particles.…”

Section: Additional Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Easy and accessible way to calibrate a fluorescence microscope and to create a microplastic identification key

et al. 2023

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Analysis of selective fluorescence for the characterization of microplastic fibers: Use of a Nile Red-based analytical method to compare between natural and synthetic fibers

Cited by 15 publications

References 41 publications

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

Microplastics Biofragmentation and Degradation Kinetics in the Plastivore Insect Tenebrio molitor

Easy and accessible way to calibrate a fluorescence microscope and to create a microplastic identification key

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