Sustainable valorization of waste plastic into nanostructured materials for environmental, energy, catalytic and biomedical applications: A review.

The extensive production and utilization of plastic products are inevitable in the current scenario. However, the non-degradable nature of waste plastic generated after use poses a grave concern. Comprehensive efforts are being made to find viable technological solutions to manage the escalating challenge of waste plastic. This review focuses on the progress made in transformation of waste plastic into value-added nanomaterials. An overview is provided of the waste plastic issue on a global level and its ecological impacts. Currently established methodologies for waste plastic management are examined, along with their limitations. Subsequently, state-of-the-art techniques for converting waste plastic into nanostructured materials are presented, with a critical evaluation of their distinct merits and demerits. Several demonstrated technologies and case studies are discussed regarding the utilization of these nanomaterials in diverse applications, including environmental remediation, energy production and storage, catalytic processes, sensors, drug delivery, bioimaging, regenerative medicine and advanced packaging materials. Moreover, challenges and prospects in the commercial level production of waste plastic-derived nanomaterials and their adoption for industrial and practical usage are highlighted. Overall, this work underscores the potential of transforming waste plastic into nanostructured materials for multifaceted applications. The valorization approach presented here offers an integration of waste plastic management and sustainable nanotechnology. The development of such technologies should pave the way toward a circular economy and the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Coupled Lateral Flow Assay for Point-of-Care Detection of Syphilis.

Syphilis is a re-emerging sexually transmitted disease caused by the pathogenic spirochete T. pallidum. Every year more than 5 million cases are reported globally. The current diagnostic methods are primarily based on serological assays, which are less sensitive at an early stage of infection. To improve the disease diagnosis, there is a need to develop a rapid, simple, sensitive, and cost-effective point-of-care application, which plays an effective role in the detection of syphilis infection. In this study, we developed a multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled lateral flow assay (multiplex LAMP-LFA) for the detection of syphilis. Two different genes, the target amplicon (polA) and the internal control amplicon (human RNase P) were amplified using multiplex LAMP assay. The amplified products were detected using LFA strips coated with Anti-FITC and Anti-DIG antibodies within 5 minutes of flowthrough. Multiplex LAMP LFA detection limit was found to be 3.8 × 103 copies/mL with high specificity. The developed strip was tested with 130 clinically suspected cases and 50 healthy individuals. With the clinical samples, the method shows a sensitivity of 93.84% and a specificity of 100%. The Multiplex LAMP LFA has the potential to overcome the limitations of both Non Treponemal tests and Treponemal tests which are prone to prozone effects and expensive reagents respectively. The proposed method holds promise for sensitive, rapid, and visual detection of T. pallidum, thereby offering a facile and affordable alternative to existing diagnostic methods. This approach is poised to advance the development of point-of-care diagnostics, addressing a critical need in public healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01308-4.

Adsorptive membrane separation for eco-friendly decontamination of chlorpyrifos via biochar-impregnated cellulose acetate mixed matrix membrane.

In this work, the phase inversion approach is used to synthesize a blended mixed matrix membrane from cellulose acetate polymer and sugarcane bagasse biochar. The experiments were carried out to estimate the extent of chlorpyrifos (CPS) pesticide removal. The results showed that the removal rate was more than 99% in making the filtered water suitable enough for domestic use. The physical and functional characteristics of the membranes, such as permeability, and contact angle were identified. The changes in the membrane characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction both before and after the experimental trials. Experiments were conducted to assess not only the rejection characteristics of CPS, as a function feed concentration, but also the effect co-ions on the rejection used to analyze the composition both before and after filtration. The effects of initial CPS concentration, biochar loading, and co-ions on the membrane were investigated. The membranes showed contact angles between 70° and 97° and a permeability between 0.25 × 1010 m Pa-1 s-1 and 0.31 × 1010 m Pa-1 s-1. The effective removal of CPS from the contaminated aqueous stream was attributed to a combination of adsorptive uptake and membrane-based separation. CPS was found to get adsorbed onto the membrane matrix through an intraparticle diffusion mechanism along with an irreversible monolayer adsorption. The membrane-solute adsorptive interaction was represented by Langmuir isotherm and intraparticle diffusion models with a maximum adsorption capacity of 192.3 mg g-1. The findings indicated the efficacy of biochar-cellulose acetate mixed matrix membrane for sustainable and eco-friendly treatment of chlorpyrifos contaminated water.

Adsorptive removal of oxytetracycline hydrochloride using bagasse-based biochar powder and beads.

Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride (OTC), a common antibiotic used to treat specific illnesses in humans and animals, is characterized by poor absorption into cells, low volatility, and high hydrophilicity. It is a potent contaminant that poses a serious threat to the ecosystem, particularly the aquatic sources. Adsorption onto natural adsorbents is one of the most successful, economical, and ecologically friendly ways to remove antibiotics from waste water. The present work focuses on the adsorption of OTC utilizing alginate biochar beads (AlBCB) and biochar powder (BC) derived from bagasse. The influence of several factors were studies and optimized through batch studies employing BC and AlBCB. After 50 min BC displayed a removal of 97%, at an initial concentration of 10 ppm. The experimental data was discovered to follow PFO kinetics and fit with the Freundlich isotherm adsorption model. AlBCB, after a contact time of 40 min, indicated a maximum percentage removal of 86% for initial concentration of 10 ppm OTC. Al-biochar beads showed the maximum percentage removal at pH 10. 0.5 g of adsorbent was used to carry out all batch experiments at room temperature. The adsorption fitted Freundlich adsorption isotherm and intraparticle diffusion kinetics.

Chitosan-blended membranes for heavy metal removal from aqueous systems: A review of synthesis, separation mechanism, and performance.

The environmental pollution caused by heavy metal ions has become a serious global environmental issue. Heavy metal contaminants released from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and human activities, can enter into water resources. The toxicity of these heavy metal ions even at trace concentrations presents a substantial hazard to both aquatic systems and human well-being. The membrane separation processes have become more promising sustainable techniques for the separation of metal ions from the effluent. The research efforts have been concentrated on improving the synthesis of membranes and membrane materials to facilitate the sustainable separation of heavy metals. The application of chitosan in the fabrication of membranes is getting more attention. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, is abundant in nature and has active hydroxyl and amino groups suitable for the separation of heavy metal ions. It exhibits excellent chelating tendency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The functionalization of chitosan to improve its mechanical strength, chemical stability, and antifouling properties has become an ongoing area of research. This review examines the synthesis and efficient applications of chitosan blended membranes. The review concludes by outlining the current challenges and proposing future research prospects to enhance the applicability of chitosan-blended membranes in environmental remediation.

Nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenides-based colorimetric sensors: Synthesis, characterization, and emerging applications.

Nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have garnered significant attention as prospective materials for the development of highly sensitive and versatile colorimetric sensors. This work explores the synthesis, characterization, and emerging applications of TMDC-based sensors, focusing on their unique structural aspects and inherent properties. The synthesis methods involve tailored fabrication techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition and hydrothermal processes, aimed at producing well-defined nanostructures that enhance sensor performance. Characterization techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface analysis, are employed to elucidate the structural and chemical features of the nanostructured TMDCs. These analyses provide insights into the correlation between the material's morphology and its sensing capabilities. The colorimetric sensing mechanism relies on the modulation of optical properties in response to specific analytes, enabling rapid and visual detection. The emerging applications of TMDC-based colorimetric sensors span diverse fields, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial processes. The sensors exhibit high sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time response, making them ideal candidates for detecting various target analytes. Furthermore, their integration with complementary technologies such as microfluidics, can facilitate the development of on-site and point-of-care applications. This work highlights the interdisciplinary significance of nanostructured TMDC-based colorimetric sensors and underscores their potential contributions to addressing contemporary challenges in sensing technology.

Functional characterization of QT interval associated SCN5A enhancer variants identify combined additive effects.

Several empirical and theoretical studies suggest presence of multiple enhancers per gene that collectively regulate gene expression, and that common sequence variation impacting on the activities of these enhancers is a major source of inter-individual variability in gene expression. However, for vast majority of genes, enhancers and the underlying regulatory variation remains unknown. Even for the genes with well-characterized enhancers, the nature of the combined effects from multiple enhancers and their variants, when known, on gene expression regulation remains unexplored. Here, we have evaluated the combined effects from five SCN5A enhancers and their regulatory variants that are known to collectively correlate with SCN5A cardiac expression and underlie QT interval association in the general population. Using small deletions centered at the regulatory variants in episomal reporter assays in a mouse cardiomyocyte cell line we demonstrate that the variants and their flanking sequences play critical role in individual enhancer activities, likely being a transcription factor (TF) binding site. By performing oligonucleotide-based pulldown assays on predicted TFs we identify the TFs likely driving allele-specific enhancer activities. Using all 32 possible allelic synthetic constructs in reporter assays, representing the five biallelic enhancers in tandem in their genomic order, we demonstrate combined additive effects on overall enhancer activities. Using transient enhancer assays in developing zebrafish embryos we demonstrate the four out the five enhancer elements act as enhancers in vivo . Together, these studies extend the previous findings to uncover the TFs driving the enhancer activities of QT interval associated SCN5A regulatory variants, reveal the additive effects from allelic combinations of these regulatory variants, and prove their potential to act as enhancers in vivo .

Identification of candidate causal cis -regulatory variants underlying electrocardiographic QT interval GWAS loci.

Identifying causal variants among tens or hundreds of associated variants at each locus mapped by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex traits is a challenge. As vast majority of GWAS variants are noncoding, sequence variation at cis -regulatory elements affecting transcriptional expression of specific genes is a widely accepted molecular hypothesis. Following this cis -regulatory hypothesis and combining it with the observation that nucleosome-free open chromatin is a universal hallmark of all types of cis -regulatory elements, we aimed to identify candidate causal regulatory variants underlying electrocardiographic QT interval GWAS loci. At a dozen loci, selected for higher effect sizes and a better understanding of the likely causal gene, we identified and included all common variants in high linkage disequilibrium with the GWAS variants as candidate variants. Using ENCODE DNase-seq and ATAC-seq from multiple human adult cardiac left ventricle tissue samples, we generated genome-wide maps of open chromatin regions marking putative regulatory elements. QT interval associated candidate variants were filtered for overlap with cardiac left ventricle open chromatin regions to identify candidate causal cis -regulatory variants, which were further assessed for colocalizing with a known cardiac GTEx expression quantitative trait locus variant as additional evidence for their causal role. Together, these efforts have generated a comprehensive set of candidate causal variants that are expected to be enriched for cis -regulatory potential and thereby, explaining the observed genetic associations.

Advances in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides-based sensors for environmental, food, and biomedical analysis: A review.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are versatile two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials used in biosensing applications due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Due to biomaterial target properties, biosensors' most significant challenge is improving their sensitivity and stability. In environmental analysis, TMDCs have demonstrated exceptional pollutant detection and removal capabilities. Their high surface area, tunable electronic properties, and chemical reactivity make them ideal for sensors and adsorbents targeting various contaminants, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. Furthermore, their unique electronic and optical properties enable sensitive detection techniques, enhancing our ability to monitor and mitigate environmental pollution. In the food analysis, TMDCs-based nanomaterials have shown remarkable potential in ensuring food safety and quality. These nanomaterials exhibit high specificity and sensitivity for detecting contaminants, pathogens, and adulterants in various food matrices. Their integration into sensor platforms enables rapid and on-site analysis, reducing the reliance on centralized laboratories and facilitating timely interventions in the food supply chain. In biomedical studies, TMDCs-based nanomaterials have demonstrated significant strides in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Their biocompatibility, surface functionalization versatility, and photothermal properties have paved the way for novel disease detection, drug delivery, and targeted therapy approaches. Moreover, TMDCs-based nanomaterials have shown promise in imaging modalities, providing enhanced contrast and resolution for various medical imaging techniques. This article provides a comprehensive overview of 2D TMDCs-based biosensors, emphasizing the growing demand for advanced sensing technologies in environmental, food, and biomedical analysis.

Cardiac muscle-restricted partial loss of Nos1ap expression has limited but significant impact on electrocardiographic features.

Genome-wide association studies have identified sequence polymorphisms in a functional enhancer of the NOS1AP gene as the most common genetic regulator of QT interval and human cardiac NOS1AP gene expression in the general population. Functional studies based on in vitro overexpression in murine cardiomyocytes and ex vivo knockdown in zebrafish embryonic hearts, by us and others, have also demonstrated that NOS1AP expression levels can alter cellular electrophysiology. Here, to explore the role of NOS1AP in cardiac electrophysiology at an organismal level, we generated and characterized constitutive and heart muscle-restricted Nos1ap knockout mice to assess whether NOS1AP disruption alters the QT interval in vivo. Constitutive loss of Nos1ap led to genetic background-dependent variable lethality at or right before birth. Heart muscle-restricted Nos1ap knockout, generated using cardiac-specific alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter-driven tamoxifen-inducible Cre, resulted in tissue-level Nos1ap expression reduced by half. This partial loss of expression had no detectable effect on the QT interval or other electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters, except for a small but significant reduction in the QRS interval. Given that challenges associated with defining the end of the T wave on murine electrocardiogram can limit identification of subtle effects on the QT interval and that common noncoding NOS1AP variants are also associated with the QRS interval, our findings support the role of NOS1AP in regulation of the cardiac electrical cycle.

Microfluidic paper-based device coupled with 3D printed imaging box for colorimetric detection in resource-limited settings.

Rapid and effective methods for the detection of analytes such as water contaminants, food adulterants and biomolecules are essential for the protection of public health and environmental protection. Most of the currently established analytical techniques need sophisticated equipment, centralized testing facilities, costly operations, and trained personnel. Such limitations make them inaccessible to the general populace, particularly in regions with limited resources. The emergence of microfluidic devices offers a promising alternative to overcome several such constraints. This work describes a protocol for fabricating a low-cost, open-source paper-based microfluidic device using easily available tools and materials for colorimetric detection of analytes. The ease and simplicity of fabrication allow users to design customized devices. The device is coupled with an imaging box assembled from 3D printed parts to maintain uniform lighting conditions during analytical testing. The platform allows digital imaging using smartphones or cameras to instantaneously capture images of reaction zones on the device for quantitative analysis. The system is demonstrated for detecting hexavalent chromium, a toxic water contaminant. The image analysis is performed using open-source ImageJ for quantification of results. The approach demonstrated in this work can be readily adopted for a wide range of sensing applications.

Tribology of the sock-skin Interface - the influence of different fabric parameters on sock friction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this parametric design of experiments was to identify and summarize how the influence of knit structure (single jersey vs. terry), fiber composition (polyester vs. cotton), fiber linear density (30/1 Ne vs. 18/1 Ne & 1/150/34 vs. 2/150/34), and yarn type (filament vs. spun) affected the frictional profile across the sock-skin interface. METHODS: Friction testing trials were completed against both a polypropylene probe and a synthetic skin material (Lorica soft®) to determine if there was a difference in friction based on interface interaction. Friction testing was completed by sliding a probe across the inside bottom surface of the sock (the part that is usually in-contact with the bottom of the foot) while instantaneously measuring the frictional force every tenth of a second. RESULTS: For both trials (plastic probe and synthetic skin), in the dry condition, knit structure was found to be the most prominent fabric parameter affecting the frictional force experienced at the sock-skin interface. It was also determined that fiber linear density, and yarn type are tertiary factors affecting the frictional force measured at the sock-skin interface. Finally, in the dry state, it was determined that fiber composition had seemingly no effect on the frictional force experienced at the sock-skin interface. CONCLUSION: This parametric design of experiments has further enhanced the understanding of the tribology at the sock-skin interface. Through strategic design, four different textile parameters have been investigated, measured, and justified as to how each influence the friction measured between the two interfaces. This knowledge can be used to develop socks that mitigate the risk of friction blisters formation.

Extraction techniques in food industry: Insights into process parameters and their optimization.

This review presents critical evaluation of the key parameters that affect the extraction of targeted components, giving due consideration to safety and environmental aspects. The crucial aspects of the extraction technologies along with protocols and process parameters for designing unit operations have been emphasized. The parameters like solvent usage, substrate type, concentration, particle size, temperature, quality and storage of extract as well as stability of extraction have been elaborately discussed. The process optimization using mathematical and computational modeling highlighting information and communication technologies have been given importance aiming for a green and sustainable industry level scaleup. The findings indicate that the extraction processes vary significantly depending on the category of food and its structure. There is no single extraction method or universal set of process conditions identified for extracting all value-added products from respective sources. A comprehensive understanding of process parameters and their optimization as well as synergistic combination of multiple extraction processes can aid in enhancement of the overall extraction efficiency. Future efforts must be directed toward the design of integrated unit operations that cause minimal harm to the environment along with investigations on economic feasibility to ensure sustainable extraction systems.

Paper-based microfluidic colorimetric sensor on a 3D printed support for quantitative detection of nitrite in aquatic environments.

To ensure safe drinking water, it is necessary to have a simple method by which the probable pollutants are detected at the point of distribution. Nitrite contamination in water near agricultural locations could be an environmental concern due to its deleterious effects on the human population. The development of a frugal paper-based microfluidic sensor could be desirable to achieve the societal objective of providing safe drinking water. This work describes the development of a facile and cost-effective microfluidic paper-based sensor for quantitative estimation of nitrite in aquatic environments. A simple punching machine was used for fabrication and rapid prototyping of paper-based sensors without the need of any specialized equipment or patterning techniques. A reusable 3D printed platform served as the support for simultaneous testing of multiple samples. The nitrite estimation was carried out with smartphone-assisted digital image acquisition and colorimetric analysis. Under optimized experimental conditions, the variation in average grayscale intensity with concentration of nitrite was linear in the range from 0.1 to 10 ppm. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.12 ppm and 0.35 ppm respectively. The reproducibility, expressed as relative standard deviation was 1.31%. The selectivity of nitrite detection method was determined by performing interference studies with commonly existing co-ions in water, such as bicarbonates, chloride and sulphate. The paper-based sensor was successfully applied for estimation of nitrite in actual water samples and showed high recoveries in the range of 83.5-109%. The results were in good agreement with those obtained using spectrophotometry. The developed paper-based sensor method, by virtue of its simplicity, ease of fabrication and use, could be readily extended for detection of multiple analytes in resource-limited settings.

Agricultural waste materials for adsorptive removal of phenols, chromium (VI) and cadmium (II) from wastewater: A review.

Management of basic natural resources and the spent industrial and domestic streams to provide a sustainable safe environment for healthy living is a magnum challenge to scientists and environmentalists. The present remedial approach to the wastewater focuses on recovering pure water for reuse and converting the contaminants into a solid matrix for permanent land disposal. However, the ground water aquifers, over a long period slowly leach the contaminants consequently polluting the ground water. Synthetic adsorbents, mainly consisting of polymeric resins, chelating agents, etc. are efficient and have high specificity, but ultimate disposal is a challenge as most of these materials are non-biodegradable. In this context, it is felt appropriate to review the utility of adsorbents based on natural green materials such as agricultural waste and restricted to few model contaminants: phenols, and heavy metals chromium(VI), and cadmium(II) in view of the vast amount of literature available. The article discusses the features of the agricultural waste material-based adsorbents including the mechanism. It is inferred that agricultural waste materials are some of the common renewable sources available across the globe and can be used as sustainable adsorbents. A discussion on challenges for industrial scale implementation and integration with advanced technologies like magnetic-based approaches and nanotechnology to improve the removal efficiency is included for future prospects.

Evaluation of the relationship between dermatoglyphics and mandibular third molar impaction: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Dermatoglyphics can be utilised in clinical settings to identify those who are more likely to have impacted teeth. Additionally, dermatoglyphics looks to have potential as a non-invasive diagnostic method for predicting the presence or absence of an impacted tooth. The goal of this study was to look at the most common dermatoglyphic pattern in people who had or didn't have an impacted mandibular third molar teeth and see if there was a dermatoglyphic signature. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 180 participants was conducted (90 cases and 90 controls). The rolling impression technique was used to apply blue duplicating ink to participants' fingertips, which was then recorded. There was an increase in the frequency of the whorl-plain pattern in the right-hand ring finger (60%; p=0.028) and left-hand little finger (33.3%; p=0.009), as well as the loop-ulnar pattern in the right-hand middle finger (74.4%; p=0.024) in individuals with a predisposition to the presence of impacted teeth. Results: The left-hand little finger was found to be the most predictive for impaction in a forward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Dermatoglyphics could be used as a non-invasive sign to predict whether or not a tooth is affected. Its value comes in early detection, which helps to avoid the surgical problems that come with symptomatic extraction of an impacted tooth.

Valorization of food waste as adsorbents for toxic dye removal from contaminated waters: A review.

Industrial contaminants such as dyes and intermediates are released into water bodies, making the water unfit for human use. At the same time large amounts of food wastes accumulate near the work places, residential complexes etc. polluting the air due to putrefaction. The need of the hour lies in finding innovative solutions for dye removal from wastewater streams. In this context, the article emphasizes adoption or conversion of food waste materials, an ecological nuisance, as adsorbents for the removal of dyes from wastewaters. Adsorption, being a well-established technique, the review critically examines the specific potential of food waste constituents as dye adsorbents. The efficacy of food waste-based adsorbents is examined, besides addressing the possible adsorption mechanisms and the factors affecting phenomenon such as pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, particle size, and ionic strength. Integration of information and communication technology approaches with adsorption isotherms and kinetic models are emphasized to bring out their role in improving overall modeling performance. Additionally, the reusability of adsorbents has been highlighted for effective substrate utilization. The review makes an attempt to stress the valorization of food waste materials to remove dyes from contaminated waters thereby ensuring long-term sustainability.

Current status and future prospects of membrane separation processes for value recovery from wastewater.

Resource constraints and deteriorating environment have made it necessary to look for intensification of the industrial processes, to recover value from spent streams for reuse. The development of reverse osmosis has already established that water can be recovered from aqueous streams in a cost-effective and beneficial manner to the industries. With the development of several membrane processes and membrane materials, the possibility of recovering value from the effluents looks like a workable proposition. In this context, the potentialities of the different membrane processes in value recovery are presented. Among the pressure-driven processes, reverse osmosis can be used for the recovery of water as value. Nanofiltration has been used for the recovery of several dyes including crystal violet, congo red, methyl blue, etc., while ultrafiltration has been used in the fractionation of different solute species using membranes of different pore-size characteristics. Diffusion dialysis is found useful in the separation of acids from its salt solutions. Bipolar membrane electrodialysis has the potential to regenerate acid and base from salt solutions. Thermally driven membrane distillation can provide desalinated water, besides reducing the temperature of hot discharge streams. Passive membrane processes such as supported liquid membranes and membrane-assisted solvent extraction have been found useful in separating minor components from the wastewater streams. The details are discussed to drive home that membrane processes can be useful to achieve the objectives of value recovery, in a cost-effective manner through process intensification, as they are more compact and individual streams can be treated and value used seamlessly.

Lab-on-a-chip technologies for food safety, processing, and packaging applications: a review.

The advent of microfluidic systems has led to significant developments in lab-on-a-chip devices integrating several functions onto a single platform. Over the years, these miniature devices have become a promising tool for faster analytical testing, displaying high precision and efficiency. Nonetheless, most microfluidic systems are not commercially available. Research is actually undergoing on the application of these devices in environmental, food, biomedical, and healthcare industries. The lab-on-a-chip industry is predicted to grow annually by 20%. Here, we review the use of lab-on-a-chip devices in the food sector. We present fabrication technologies and materials to developing lab-on-a-chip devices. We compare electrochemical, optical, colorimetric, chemiluminescence and biological methods for the detection of pathogens and microorganisms. We emphasize emulsion processing, food formulation, nutraceutical development due to their promising characteristics. Last, smart packaging technologies like radio frequency identification and indicators are highlighted because they allow better product identification and traceability.

Extraction and detection methods of microplastics in food and marine systems: A critical review.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics as contaminants in the ecosystem has become a matter of environmental concern gaining considerable attention in the research community as well as public arena. Lack of efficient collection and improper management of plastic have resulted in the enormous amounts of plastic wastes landing into the marine systems with oceans being the ultimate sink. Due to non-biodegradability, these plastics break down into smaller fragments over a period of time leading to consumption by aquatic species, threatening marine life. In the recent years, a wide range of food products has also been contaminated with microplastics directly affecting human health. This review focuses on the separation and identification technologies for extraction and detection of microplastics in food and marine ecosystems. Efficient technologies like floatation, membrane separation, chemical treatment, enzymatic treatment, and other miscellaneous techniques have been discussed considering their merits and demerits. Additionally, identification technologies like optical detection, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermo-analytical methods, and hyperspectral imaging have been emphasized for the detection of microplastic particles. The emerging techniques like enzymatic digestion combined with hyperspectral imaging could be a possible way for obtaining higher separation efficiency and characterization with minimal harm to food sample. This article narrows the gap for choosing a standard separation technology for microplastic detection in food matrices keeping in mind the composition, particle size, shape, data visualization techniques and cost.