Analytical Methods for Microplastic Detection in Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Human Tissues: A Review and Methodological Framework

Microplastics, vol. 5, pp. 167

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) accumulate in human hepatic and gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. However, differences in sampling strategies, tissue preparation, analytical techniques, and quality assurance procedures have resulted in substantial methodological heterogeneity, limiting the comparability and reproducibility of published findings. Therefore, this review aims to critically evaluate current analytical methodologies for the detection and characterization of MPs and NPs in hepatic and GI tissues, highlight methodological strengths, limitations, and emerging technologies, and identify priorities for methodological standardization. Studies demonstrate that no single analytical technique can simultaneously provide comprehensive information on particle size, morphology, polymer composition, spatial localization, and concentration. While Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), and emerging multimodal imaging techniques each offer distinct advantages, reflecting their different underlying detection principles, methodological variability remains a major barrier to cross-study comparison. Human tissue studies are further constrained by limited sample availability, contamination risks, and inconsistent quality assurance procedures. Future progress will depend on harmonized, organ-specific analytical workflows integrating optimized tissue digestion, rigorous contamination control, complementary spectroscopic approaches, and standardized reporting metrics. Establishing unified methodological guidelines is essential to improve reproducibility, facilitate quantitative evidence synthesis, and advance both environmental exposure assessment and clinical research on MPs and NPs in hepatic and gastrointestinal tissues.

Authors 5

1. Zahra Beyzaei corresponding

   Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 98715, Iran

2. Heydar Izadneshan

   Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Photonics, Marv.C., Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht 71392, Iran

3. Bita Geramizadeh

   Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 98715, Iran

4. Sara Karimzadeh

   Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Shiraz Medical School Library, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 98123, Iran

5. Ralf Weiskirchen corresponding Aachen Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC)

   Universitätsklinikum Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany