A team of engineers from McGill University recently unveiled a 3D-printed nanoplastic detector. The new device can detect harmful pollutants more efficiently and across a wider spectrum. The researchers hope their new system will help drive collaboration and innovation in the microplastic pollutants sector. Here’s how this development could help make the world safer for future generations.
Why Microplastics Are a Growing Environmental Crisis
Ever since plastic production went into full swing in the early 19th century, microplastics have been slowly building up in the environment. Notably, the term microplastics first emerged in 2004 after Richard Thompson and a team of researchers used the term after researching ocean pollutants. These minuscule plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, form after larger pieces of plastic break down over time.
Reports show that up to 40M pounds of microplastics enter the environment yearly. Sadly, the same reports suggest that at this rate, it will double by 2040. According to researchers, microplastics can now be found in nearly every environment, and even inside your body.
Microplastics are especially dangerous because they enter the food chain, leading to dangerous scenarios. In 2022, researchers in the Netherlands conducted a series of experiments to see how bad the pollution had become on a personal level. The tests revealed that 80% of subjects had microplastic pollutants inside their bodies.
Another study1, seeking to determine the average person’s microplastic intake, found that the average adult takes in +121,000 microplastic particles per year through air, food, and beverages. On top of ingestion concerns, there are also air and water quality issues. The problem has become so bad that the United Nations has made reducing microplastics a global goal.
Current Methods for Detecting Microplastics
The current method of detecting microplastics in the environment requires several steps to accomplish. Mass spectrometry provides the most detailed and accurate detection of microplastics on a nanoscale. However, these samples need to be collected and properly prepared before they can be tested.
Challenges with Traditional Microplastic Detection Techniques
The current method of microplastic detection leaves researchers in a bind in that they must spend a lot of time preparing samples for Mass spectrometry (MS) scans. The complex sample preparation, combined with a complete lack of established protocols for nanoplastic detection, has led to research gaps and an inability to accurately and efficiently detect nano- and microplastics in a broad range of environmental matrices
Breakthrough Study From McGill University
McGill University researchers believe they have solved this issue. They recently released the study2 A HoLDI mass spectrometry platform for airborne nanoplastic detection, in the scientific journal Nature’s Communications Chemistry. This paper introduces a novel method for collecting and analyzing airborne and waterborne nano- and microplastics.
Source – Nature
What Is the 3D-Printed HoLDI Nanoplastic Detector?
The engineers began their efforts by building on the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS for airborne nano/microplastic research that already existed. They noted that if they could integrate a 3D-printed hollow-laser desorption/ionization (HoLDI) platform, it could offer more efficient, reliable, and sustainable MS signals.
How Hollow-Laser Desorption/Ionization Works
There are several reasons why the engineers determined that HoLDI-MS was the best option. For one, it eliminated the need for complicated sample pretreatments. These steps are a major challenge for engineers and have led to a lack of global standardization, reducing international cooperation.
Building the 3D-Printed Detector Setup
The researchers set up their new system using substrate holding analytes that are directly connected to the bottom of a 3D-printed HoLDI target plate. From there, the entire setup is attached to a plate holder before the team places the sample into the mass spectrometer. Once in this arrangement, the team uses lasers to penetrate the target plate. Notably, the beam travels through the hollow structures before irradiating the airborne particles, allowing the team to conduct direct analysis of the sample.
Direct, Prep-Free Microplastic Analysis
The engineers noted that the removal of the sample preparation process was a major upgrade to the system. The complexity of sample preparation has long hindered MS usage in the field. This new approach is capable of taking unprepared samples and determining their particle size distribution, chemical composition, and physicochemical characteristics. Notably, the method can work for both airborne and aquatic tests.
Real-World Testing Across Air, Snow, and Water
The engineers conducted several tests to ensure their findings were accurate. Specifically, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) was used to track particle size distribution below 1 µm. Additionally, an optical particle sizer (OPS) enabled the team to accurately measure particles between 0.3 and 10 µm. Lastly, the team utilized a cascade micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) to collect any aerosols on impaction substrates.
The team’s testing allowed the engineers to track the densities of nano-sized airborne particles throughout a 24-hour monitoring period. Additionally, they tested their tool across different real-world environmental matrices. Specifically, the team tested air, snow, and water.
Superior Results From the New Detection Method
The test results showed that the nanoplastic detection system offered superior throughput analysis of aerosols. The team successfully tracked the density and amount of polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, and polydimethylsiloxane across an indoor environment.
The results for waterborne tracking were also impressive. The new approach achieves concurrent mass-based data and particle-based physicochemical information with lower overhead and faster results. Additionally, the test results have helped engineers create a universal aerosol collection-preparation-analysis framework.
Advantages of the 3D-Printed Nanoplastic Detector
There are many benefits that this study brings to the table. For one, it helps set the stage for a global standardization of microplastic pollutants. The team has already stated that they intend to make all of their research open to other engineers. Accessibility is furthered by eliminating the need for laboratories to possess advanced items like cascade impactors. Instead, a simple vacuum filtration setup acts as an effective alternative for aerosol collection, opening the door for global participation.
More Accurate, Sustainable, and Affordable Testing
Another major benefit of this approach is that it eliminates the need to prep samples. The engineers have stated that prepping samples for MS is one of the most time-consuming and delicate steps in the current microplastic detection process. The elimination of the need to prep means that scientists can get results faster and with less effort.
This study introduces a recyclable tool that improves sustainability. For example, the elimination of sample preparations reduces the need for matrix chemicals and ion-pairing agents, lowering costs and enhancing long-term sustainability.
Portability and Field Applications
The portable nature of the upgraded microplastic testing setup is a big plus. This approach will allow environmentalists and scientists to conduct on-site testing for microplastics. This approach can help them to better determine the main contributors to the pollution and where to focus efforts first.
The accuracy of this microplastic test far surpasses its predecessors. The elimination of preparing and the introduction of a standardized approach are all steps that have helped provide more accurate microplastic data versus old options. Now, researchers can see exactly how and where microplastics are causing damage.
Driving Standardization and Global Collaboration
The team is most excited about the inspiration their study will bring to the market. This approach offers superior data comparison and validation across laboratories worldwide. Consequently, it should help to boost cooperation, leading to more innovation while filling in unknowns regarding the processes.
The upgraded microplastic detection method is more affordable than its predecessors. The lower costs come from the elimination of sample preparations. This step took time and cost money. The new approach is more affordable, with researchers boasting that the setup only costs a couple of dollars per sample.
Efficiency is another benefit that makes this approach a better solution. The old method of detecting nanoplastics was accurate and required a lot more steps, personnel, and equipment. The upgraded nanoparticle detection setup reduces costs and provides more accurate results via a more energy-efficient approach.
Future Use Cases: From Safety Systems to Industry Standards
There are many applications for a simple-to-use and accurate microplastic detector. This device would allow anyone to pinpoint the sources of nano and microplastics in the environment, allowing both people and manufacturers to reduce their pollution efficiently. Here are some key applications for this technology.
The engineers noted that, in time, their detector can be set up to track other harmful chemicals as well. The device can monitor for dangerous metal contaminants, secondary organics, and bioaerosols. The efficient nature of the system and its portability all add to its usefulness as a safety device.
Expected Timeline for Real-World Deployment
It could be another 5 years before you see this research get put to good use. The growing concerns regarding microplastics and pollutants entering the body are sure to help speed up this product launch. For now, the team has stated it will focus on improving the machine’s efficiency and accuracy.
3D-Printed Nanoplastic Detector Researchers
The 3D printed nanoplastic detection system study was led by the Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. Chemistry Professor Parisa Ariya, is listed as a lead author alongside Zi Wang, Nadim K. Saadé, Robert J. Panetta, Zi Wang and Robert J. Panetta. Notably, the study received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and the National Research Council Canada (NRC).
The Future of Nanoplastic Detection Technology
The future of nanoplastic detection systems is bright. There’s a real need for these solutions today. As such, the engineers hope that their tool can help power community-driven movements to help reduce pollution. The goal of the project is to drive international co-operation and harmonize global research on plastic pollution.
Investing in Plastic Recycling
Plastic pollution is a major issue that has spawned an entire industry dedicated to cleaning up this waste globally. Today, several companies are leading the charge towards a healthier and sustainable future. Here’s one company that holds a strong position in the market.
Loop Industries (LOOP +4.44%) was founded by Daniel Solomita in 2014. The company is unique in that its business model focuses on recycling PET and polyester waste. This approach is topped off with the introduction of a revolutionary plastic recycling technique called depolymerization technology.
Loop Industries, Inc. (LOOP +4.44%)
Depolymerization tech enables users to create high-purity recycled PET for use in consumer goods packaging directly from plastic waste. This approach has helped the company secure a niche spot in the market. It recently began offering 100% recycled products to the markets, including Loop PET bottles.
Loop Industries has seen considerable growth since its launch. Notably, the company went public through a reverse merger. Today, it has strong support from both institutional and private investors. For example, it secured a $56.5M investment from SK Geo Centric to further its research. All of these factors help to make Loop Industries a smart stock to watch in the plastic recycling sector.
Loop Industries Latest Stock News and Developments
Final Thoughts: How Nanoplastic Detection Could Save Lives
The 3D nanoplastic detector is a game changer. This low-cost and highly accurate pollution detection system will one day help to keep your workspace, home, and neighborhood cleaner. For now, it’s worth congratulating these scientists on their hard work and success, which could lead to a safer world for everyone.
Learn About Other Cool Sustainability Projects Here.
Studies Referenced:
1. Cox, K. D., Covernton, G. A., Davies, H. L., Dower, J. F., Juanes, F., & Dudas, S. E. (2019). Human consumption of microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 7068–7074. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517
2. Wang, Z., Saadé, N. K., Panetta, R. J., & Ariya, P. A. (2025). A HoLDI mass spectrometry platform for airborne nanoplastic detection. Communications Chemistry, 8, Article 90. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01483-5