- Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern, particularly due to their potential impact on food safety and human health. This study uses frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to investigate the presence and effects of microplastics in four food types—ham, honey, fish, and lettuce. Samples were prepared with known quantities of high-density polyethylene particles, and their phase-dependent fluorescence lifetimes were analyzed to distinguish between contaminated and uncontaminated food. The results indicate that fluorescence lifetime analysis can effectively identify microplastic contamination, revealing distinct fluorescence characteristics for each food matrix. This research underscores the importance of innovative detection methods in ensuring food safety, highlighting the need for further studies on automated microplastic detection.
