THE GROWING THREAT OF MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics (<5mm) contaminate our entire planet—from oceans to drinking water, soil, air, and even human tissues. Their impact includes ecosystem disruption, food chain contamination, chemical leaching, pollutant transport, and human health concerns.
To address this crisis effectively, we need precise identification and quantification of microplastics in environmental samples, however current analytical challenges limit our ability to effectively monitor this critical environmental threat.
ANALYTICAL LIMITATIONS
Traditional methods for microplastics analysis face significant drawbacks:
- Conventional FT-IR Microscopy: Extremely slow analysis times (days to weeks)
- Pyrolysis GC/MS: No morphological information, sample destruction
- Raman Microscopy: Fluorescence interference, issues with colored particles
These shortcomings have hampered our ability to conduct the comprehensive monitoring needed to understand and combat the microplastics crisis—until now.
BRUKER’S REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTIONS
Bruker’s LUMOS II with focal plane array (FPA) detector technology has transformed microplastics analysis. The system features:
- 32×32 focal plane array (1024-pixel detector) for simultaneous collection of over 1,000 spectra
- MP-ID function utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms for automated particle identification
- Complete analysis of 25mm filters with particles as small as 5 micrometers
- Analysis speed of >550 spectra/second (at 4 cm⁻¹ resolution)
- Comprehensive measurement modes including transmission, reflection, and ATR
- Fully automated workflow from sample placement to results
Powered by the new OPUS 9 spectroscopy software, the system delivers advanced capabilities for microplastics analysis:
- Particle Identification & Statistics: Automatically examining results from particle analysis by filtering and graphically displaying the data according to attributes like dimension, identity and hit quality.
- Microplastic Classification: The microplastic classification function is a machine-learning based classifier that determines the identity and dimensions of microplastics particles that have been measured by FT-IR imaging
- Anodisc Surface Model: Generates an improved visual image quality of the full Anodisc filter that allows a better correlation of the visual and IR image. Furthermore, a better detection of particles based on the visual image for single point analysis is achieved.
- 3D Quick Compare: Evaluation of 3D spectral data by using the OPUS Quick Compare methods. IR images are generated by correlation of pixel spectra with known reference spectra. A user-defined threshold sets the minimum correlation coefficient needed for identifying or verifying the presence of the reference components.
The result? What once took days or was even impossible can now be accomplished in a couple of hours—a game-changing improvement for environmental laboratories and research institutions.
LUMOS II ILIM with QCL Technology
Bruker has pushed the boundaries even further with their newest innovation, the LUMOS II ILIM featuring quantum cascade laser (QCL) imaging technology:
- 249,600 simultaneous spectra collection capability via massive pixel array detector
- Minutes instead of hours for complete filter analysis – analyze full filters in just minutes
- Complete MIR range analysis at 1.1 mm² per second
- 5 μm pixel resolution for superior sensitivity and accuracy
- Patented technology that prevents interference artifacts for clearest imaging
- Open design, laser class 1 instrument for safe operation
Superior to single-point QCL Systems:
LUMOS II ILIM with ~250,000 pixel array vs. competitors’ single-point detection:
- Single-point QCL spectra are measured only in reflectance (no commercial reflectance libraries available)
- Adjacent particles are a challenge for particle detection with single-point QCL
- Significantly longer analysis times with single-point QCL
This revolutionary technology of the Bruker LUMOS II ILIM represents a paradigm shift in microplastics analysis, enabling the high-volume, rapid testing necessary to comprehensively monitor our environment and inform protective policies.
LEARN MORE
For more information about Bruker’s microplastics analysis solutions:
- Visit bruker.com/microplastics
- Request a demonstration of the LUMOS II systems with OPUS 9 software: LUMOS II Contact & Demo Request | Bruker
- Watch the video about the new MP-ID function for Particle Analysis: MP-ID Microplastics Identification | FT-IR microscopy | OPUS 9 Release 2024
Together, we can build a cleaner future through better science.
