Plastisense is a compact device in development for screening water samples for microplastics
Plastic particles can be too small to see
A 2024 study of three bottled-water brands estimated an average of 240,000 plastic particles per liter. About 90% were nanoplastics. Plastisense is being developed to screen for larger particles using fluorescence
The proposed test captures particles on a membrane, then images them under blue light
The workflow uses 100 mL of water. Keep volume and handling consistent when comparing samples
100 mL of waterThe operating protocol and device performance are still being validated
Download the project brief
Published fluorescence imageA fluorescent spot is a candidate for further investigation. Accuracy, repeatability and false-positive rates are part of the validation work
Candidate countThe intended result is the number of particles detected as candidates in a sample
Polymer identificationChemical confirmation requires a reference method such as spectroscopy
Drinking-water qualityWater safety, other contaminants and nanoplastics require separate tests
A controlled comparison starts with consistent sampling, preparation and imaging
The cartridge membrane collects material for observation. A drinking-water filter serves a separate treatment purpose
Four assemblies handle the sample, image the membrane, collect particles and drain the liquid
Explore the device
Original team drawing. The display reading is an example and the illustrated detection range is a design target
ProcessingESP32-CAMFirmware and image capture
ImagingOV5640 · 5 MPMacro-focused M12 optics
Illumination450-470 nm blue LEDsNile Red excitation
Optical filtering~530 nm long-pass filterFluorescence imaging
Sample capture25 mm PTFE membrane5 µm nominal pores
Fluid handlingSeparate 5 V pumpsWater and dye lines
Pump tubingFKM tubingPlanned for the peristaltic pump head
Fluid linesPTFE tubingPlanned for the water and dye lines
Planned prototype changes
We plan to replace conventional plastic inside the device with glass or metal wherever possible and use FKM and PTFE where tubing is needed. The goal is to reduce particles shed by the device and background fluorescence after Nile Red staining
Replace the plastic syringe body with glass
We chose to build the cap from custom aluminium parts instead of 3D printing it
Use a flexible fluoroelastomer tube where the pump rollers squeeze it
Replace standard food-grade tubing with PTFE for the water and dye lines
We plan to run blank samples through the new materials to check for shedding and background fluorescence
Request the device or select a refill below. The team will confirm availability and delivery details
1 desktop device
5 filter cartridges
$12.0010 filter cartridges
$19.0030 mL · About 30 tests
$15.0010 filters + one 30 mL bottle
$29.00Prices in USD
We are refining the prototype and planning reference tests and a five-device school pilot in Almaty. Educators, labs and early supporters can register their interest
Choose a product and submit your contact details on this site. The Plastisense team can follow up about availability, delivery and next steps
The design uses a 100 mL water sample and targets a 30-35 minute cycle. The operating cycle is still being validated
The prototype includes a camera and close-focus optics to image the membrane. A lab method is needed to confirm which particles are plastic
It is the nominal membrane pore size. Optical resolution, staining and sample preparation also affect the validated detection limit
The device is designed to count candidate particles. Polymer identification and nanoplastic measurements require separate methods
Drinking-water safety requires appropriate water-quality tests. This workflow screens for fluorescent candidate particles
Use equal volumes, consistent preparation and imaging, repeat samples and procedural blanks. Compare candidate counts under the same conditions
Cloudy samples can clog the membrane, and color or organic matter can interfere with imaging. Start with clear water samples while the workflow is being validated
Particles may be unevenly distributed, and handling can introduce contamination. Repeat the test with the same sample volume and preparation, and use a blank run to check the background
These papers explain fluorescence screening and microscope calibration. Plastisense is developing its own validation protocol
Maes et al. (2017) · Nile Red screening of microplastics↗Microscope calibration and detection limits (2023)↗