A novel method for preparing microplastic fibers

          This paper of the day gives a detailed cryotome protocol to prepare microscopic plastic fibers for laboratory studies. A cryotome is a device that cuts thin sections of frozen biological samples for examination under a microscope. This method addresses the scarcity of consistent, environmentally relevant microplastic fibers for research by offering a reproducible process. This study demonstrates the use of nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene fibers to create microfibers of controlled sizes (10–28 µm in diameter and 40–100 µm in length). Fluorescent labeling of fibers with Nile Red enables imaging and visualization of ingestion by aquatic organisms, such as brine shrimp. This method of microplastic fiber preparation facilitates toxicity studies, potentially advancing our understanding of the ecological and biological impacts of microplastic pollution.