Advancing nanoplastic and microplastic techniques for human, biological and environmental monitoring (ANTHEM)

Detecting plastic particles in the human body
Graphic representing microplastics in human body

Advancing nanoplastic and microplastic techniques for human, biological and environmental monitoring (ANTHEM)

Detecting plastic particles in the human body
Title: Advancing Nanoplastic and microplastic Techniques for Human, biological and Environmental Monitoring (ANTHEM)
Funded by: Peninsula Medical Foundation and the University of Plymouth
Funding amount: £60,000
Dates: 2025–2028
University of Plymouth Co-Is:  Dr Michael Wilde ,  Professor Shilpa Chokshi ,  Dr Nathaniel Clark  
University of Plymouth staff: Alex Mead  
 

Overview

Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly being detected in human tissues such as blood, stool, bile, and, more recently, the liver. Although exposure is now recognised as widespread, we still lack a clear understanding of how many particles accumulate in the body, where they reside, and whether they contribute to liver disease.
The ANTHEM project addresses this critical gap by developing robust, sensitive laboratory methods to detect and quantify micro- and nanoplastics in human biological samples and determine whether their presence is linked to liver pathology. This work will deliver the first systematic assessment of plastic particle burden across different stages of liver disease, including cancer progression and historical exposure trends.

Objectives

To develop, optimise, and apply advanced analytical techniques that quantify plastic particles in human samples and determine whether micro- and nanoplastic burden is associated with liver disease severity and progression.

Detecting micro- and nanoplastics in human tissue pushes analytical chemistry to its limits. ANTHEM will adopt a multi-modal approach, combining advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques to develop the tools we need to determine whether micro- and nanoplastic accumulation drives hepatic pathology.

Michael WildeDr Michael Wilde
Associate Professor in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

Context of the issue

With global plastic production surpassing 400 million tonnes annually, micro- and nanoplastics are now being identified in multiple human organs. Yet, despite this alarming discovery, no validated analytical approaches exist to accurately measure these particles in complex biological tissues, creating a critical barrier to understanding their health impact.

How the project addresses the issue

ANTHEM pioneers novel approaches for identifying and quantifying plastic particles within human liver and related biological matrices using advanced analytical tools. It generates temporal and clinical maps of MNP accumulation, transforming our understanding of exposure, risk, and biological harm.
Non-uniform micro- and nanoplastics visualised by scanning electron microscopy with chemical data by GCxGC-TOFMS
Non-uniform micro- and nanoplastics visualised by scanning electron microscopy with chemical data by GCxGC-TOFMS
 
 
 

Centre of Environmental Hepatology

The Centre of Environmental Hepatology (CEH) brings together scientists, clinicians and environmental researchers to generate mechanistic, clinically grounded evidence that can inform prevention, improve patient outcomes, and support policies that reduce harmful exposures. 
Our mission is to transform understanding of liver health in a changing world and to ensure that research translates into meaningful impact for patients, communities, and future generations. 
Discover more research from the Centre of Environmental Hepatology  
 
Mammal tissue under a microscope