Recent advances in the detection and quantification of manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) in complex environmental and biological matrices

Extensive use of manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) across diverse sectors has necessitated the development of reliable, sensitive, and precise methods for their identification. It's a challenging task to detect and quantify the MNPs in the complex environmental and biological matrices due to their small size, interference with natural components (e.g., proteins, ions, organic matter), and complexity in extraction and purification during sample preparation steps. Therefore, this review paper consolidates the latest advancements in analytical techniques and methodologies employed for MNPs analysis. This piece of work begins with an overview of the sources of MNPs and their widespread utilization, emphasizing the critical need for their effective monitoring due to potential environmental and health implications. Subsequently, it explores the challenges and increasing role of novel sample preparation methods, which are integral to improving the accuracy and efficiency of MNP detection in multifarious matrices, such as soil, water, air, and biological tissues, where their presence is often at trace levels. A detailed examination of recent developments in imaging methodologies, scattering, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometry-based techniques is presented. Advancements in electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are discussed, underscoring their enhanced resolution and capability in the morphological characterization of MNPs. Innovations in mass spectrometry and isotopic tracing for source identification are highlighted for their heightened sensitivity and specificity in nanoparticle analysis. The paper concludes by discussing the integration of these analytical methods with computational tools (simulation and machine learning) for data analysis, which facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the transformation behavior and fate of MNPs in environmental and biological systems. Future perspectives and potential directions for advancing MNP detection methodologies are also proposed, emphasizing the need for standardization of protocols to ensure data reliability and comparability across studies. This review highlights the dynamic nature of this field and its critical role in safeguarding environmental and public health in the face of the expanding nanotechnology horizon.