Smartwatch-like device could help detect plastic particles in the human body

Nano- and microplastics are increasingly being detected in the human body. However, their detection remains challenging, often relying on invasive techniques and specialized equipment. Researchers at the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu are developing a device that can measure plastic in the human body. Their research is published in the journal Proceedings of the 27th International Workshop on Mobile Computing Systems and Applications.

Micro- and nanoplastics are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even in the clothes we wear. Recent studies have found these plastics throughout the human body, even in the bloodstream and almost all internal organs.

The truth is that the effects on human health are not yet fully understood. The long-term impact of exposure to these plastics remains largely unknown. However, animal and cell studies have shown that microplastics can accumulate in living organisms, spread to different tissues, and contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.

"That's why we want to measure the microplastic particles in human organisms, so we can understand better how much plastic our bodies actually contain, and in the future guide interventions or policies to reduce our exposure to plastics," said Kevin Post, Junior Research Fellow of Pervasive Computing at University of Tartu.

Current methods to measure them require taking blood samples. However, they are difficult, expensive, and not something anyone wants to do frequently.

"We are looking for a way to 'see inside' without drawing blood. That is exactly what led us to using light sensors," said Post.

The device uses spectrometry, a method that analyzes how light interacts with materials. Light-based sensing has already been used to detect plastic particles in many environments, such as in soil and in water.

"It works because different plastics reflect and absorb light in unique ways. They are like optical patterns that sensors can actually recognize. We're bringing that same idea into the human body using wearables, like smart watches, smart rings, and smart bands," said Post.

"Our approach uses a miniature spectrometer, essentially a tiny device that shines different colors of light and measures how each one bounces back. It can detect both visible light that we can normally see around us, and wavelengths like near-infrared and ultraviolet, that are invisible to the human eye."

Using this technique, researchers successfully detected plastic particles embedded beneath the surface of artificial skin they created themselves.

"There is still a long way to go to make our vision a reality, but already these results demonstrate the potential of wearable spectrometry. In the near future, wearable devices could enable non-invasive, easily accessible monitoring of microplastics inside the human body," concluded Post.

Provided by Estonian Research Council