Zhanfei Liu on Uncovering the Organic Composition of Microplastics through Pyrolysis

Sponsored by Frontier Laboratories, Ltd.

Zhanfei Liu of The University of Texas at Austin highlights how the Frontier Laboratories Multi-Functional Pyrolysis System enables precise characterization and quantification of organic matter in microplastics and nanoplastics. By providing detailed chemical profiles beyond the capabilities of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, pyrolysis-GC/MS allows researchers to identify and measure trace organic compounds with exceptional sensitivity and reproducibility. Dr. Liu’s ongoing projects use this approach to study biological tissues from mice and humans, helping to uncover how microplastic and nanoplastic exposure may influence cellular processes and contribute to cancer risk. This work underscores the growing importance of advanced pyrolysis-based methods in evaluating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.