A research team at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria is investigating whether intraocular lenses release nanoplastics into the body. There have been no such studies to date, and initial results have already been submitted to a scientific journal.

Microplastics and the much smaller nanoplastics enter the human body in various ways, for example through food or the air we breathe. A large proportion is excreted, but a certain amount remains in organs, blood, and other body fluids.

Together with an ophthalmologist and the company BRAVE Analytics, the TU Graz team has developed a two-step method for detecting and quantifying nanoplastics in transparent body fluids, such as urine, tear fluid or blood plasma, and determining their chemical composition.1

Using optofluidic force induction, a sensor draws in the liquid to be analysed and pumps it through a glass tube. There, a weakly focussed laser is shone through the liquid in or against the direction of flow. If the light hits any particles, the laser pulse accelerates or decelerates them. Different velocity values allow conclusions to be drawn about the particle size and concentration.

Raman spectroscopy is then used to analyse the liquid, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the particles’ exact chemical composition.

The team is now conducting further investigations into the extent to which intraocular lenses yield nanoplastics spontaneously, after mechanical stress, or when exposed to laser energy. Findings will be valuable for ophthalmic surgeons and lens manufacturers.

Reference

1. Jarke P. New method for detecting nanoplastics in body fluids. Available at tugraz.at/en/tu-graz/services/news-stories/tu-graz-news/singleview/article/neuemethode-zum-nachweis-von-nanoplastik-inkoerperfluessigkeiten [accessed April 2025].