FLOW CYTOMETRY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF MICRO/ NANOPARTICLES: CURRENT APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES

S. Amalfitano | National Research Council of Italy - Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA) – Montelibretti, Rome, Italy

The detection and quantification of micro- and nanoparticles in complex matrices is a growing challenge in environmental research. Among emerging contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have raised particular concern due to their widespread release from synthetic textiles and their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. A notable example is the massive production and uncontrolled dispersion of disposable face masks, extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an experimental study simulating the environmental degradation of non-woven synthetic fabrics exposed to mechanical stress in aquatic conditions. The fragmentation process rapidly generated fibers, microplastics, and nanoplastics. Flow cytometry proved to be a promising tool for the direct detection, characterization, and quantification of MNPs, highlighting its potential in addressing key analytical challenges in nanoparticle research, such as distinguishing plastic particles in complex suspensions and assessing their environmental fate.