Solutions for the Environmental Sector

Microplastic research faces a fundamental challenge: There is a lack of realistic standards that reliably reflect microplastics found in the environment while also being traceable based on reliable labels. With our tracer material, we are closing this gap. Embedded fluorophores enable detection via fluorescence microscopy.

Furthermore, the use of photostable luminescent nanoparticles provides two complementary detection strategies:  Imaging via near-infrared excitation as well as the intrinsic quantification via ICP-OES or ICP-MS. This combination enables a selective and sensitive detection strategy for a variety of research questions, even in complex samples. 

Your Benefits

• Irregular und fibrous microplastics for more realistic research scenarios
• Biological relevant particle sizes in the single-digit micrometer range
• No subsequent staining required due to stable embedded optical tracers
• intrinsic quantification by  ICP-OES or ICP-MS using upconversion nanoparticles
• Selective detection even in complex sample matrices
• Validation proofed in ex-vivo- and in-vivo-models  in peer-reviewed publications
  • Publication about the material:  Wieberneit et al. (2025) 
  • Publication about the application: Triebel et al. (2026)

Our Offers 

• We tailor the tracer material to your specific research question, including, for example, polymer, doping, or morphology.
• We offer fluorescently labed mircoplastics with embeeded fluorophors adjusted to meet the requirements of your measurements.
• We achieve intrinsically quantifiable tracer microplastics or selective imaging using near-infrared excitation through the intreation of upconversion nanoparticles.
• To assist with the development of quantitative measurement methods, we offer support during protocol development, including sample preparation for ICP measurements.
• Our protocol is established for PS and PMMA and can be extended to other polymers.

Further Information

• UCNPS: as a quantifiable marker, as well as for selective optical excitation in the near-infrared
• Smart Membranes: as the precursor material for the for the production of the microplastics