Fluorescent Microplastic Detection in Marine Cnidaria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and quantifying microplastics in marine Cnidaria organisms are complex, require extensive pretreatment, and lack accuracy due to subjective counting and sampling errors.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence-based method using fluorescent tracer technology, where fluorescent microplastics are added to artificial seawater and the distribution and content are analyzed using a stereotype fluorescence microscope and a small animal living imager, without the need for complex pretreatment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and Raman characterization are used to characterize particles qualitatively, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-labeling microplastics with fluorescent markers before they enter the detection system. This preprocessing step enables subsequent detection using simple fluorescence microscopy rather than complex spectral analysis, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy through the fluorescent signature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by employing fluorescently labeled microplastics that emit specific wavelengths of light when excited. This optical property allows for easy differentiation and identification of microplastics using fluorescence microscopy, replacing the need for complex infrared or Raman characterization equipment
2Ease of operation
If microscope counting method is used to determine microplastic distribution, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjectivity and sampling error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated fluorescence imaging system. The system uses fluorescently labeled microplastics that can be automatically detected, counted, and quantified by imaging equipment, eliminating human subjectivity and sampling errors while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual inspection to fluorescence intensity measurement. By converting microplastic identification into a quantitative fluorescence signal measurement, the system achieves objective and precise quantification while keeping the detection process simple and automated
3Measurement precision
If complex pretreatment processes such as tissue digestion are used to extract microplastics, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action in reverse by pre-labeling microplastics with fluorescent markers before they are ingested by organisms. This approach eliminates the need for subsequent tissue digestion and extraction steps, as the fluorescently labeled microplastics can be directly visualized and quantified in intact tissues using fluorescence microscopy, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as an intermediary substance that binds to microplastics. This intermediary enables direct detection of microplastics within biological tissues without requiring tissue destruction or extraction, thus maintaining measurement precision while eliminating time-consuming pretreatment procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for accurate positioning and quantification of microplastics in marine Cnidaria organisms, simplifying the detection process and providing reliable data for environmental monitoring and health risk assessment.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent microplastics particles with specific diameters are added to artificial seawater to prepare an exposure solution system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for analyzing the content and distribution of microplastics in marine Cnidaria organisms, including: an exposure experiment of marine Cnidaria organisms; observation with a stereotype fluorescence microscope; plotting of a standard curve of fluorescence microplastics; sample fluorescence imaging and calculation of content of microplastics and freeze-drying of samples and calculation of a microplastics concentration. Technical solutions of the present disclosure can accurately position the distribution of microplastics in living marine Cnidaria organisms, and effectively and accurately quantify the content of microplastics in living organisms and local tissues, which is of great significance to the monitoring and treatment of new environmental pollutants.