Plastisense | Microplastic screening

Plastisense is a compact device in development for screening water samples for microplastics

Device tour
Fluid handling
The 100 mL cup holds the water sample. Separate pumps move water and Nile Red through their own tubing routes to the cartridge
Optics
The ESP32-CAM captures the membrane through M12 optics. Blue LEDs excite the stain, and the orange barrier filter blocks excitation light so the camera can see fluorescence
Filtering
The cartridge contains the syringe and membrane. The steel cap and borosilicate window are separate. Replace the cartridge after each test and refill Nile Red about every 30 tests
Waste collection
After filtration, liquid drains by gravity from the cartridge through the lower tube into the waste cup

Planned test cycle
Filtration, 5-10 minutes
First air purge, 1-2 minutes
Dye dosing, about 10 seconds
Incubation, 10-15 minutes
Second air purge, 2-3 minutes
Imaging, about 10 seconds
Gravity drainage to the waste cup
Target cycle time is 30-35 minutes. The times are design estimates

Plastisense device and refills
Prices in USD
Plastisense device | 1 desktop device | $150.00
Filter Cartridge 5-Pack | 5 filter cartridges | $12.00
Filter Cartridge 10-Pack | 10 filter cartridges | $19.00
Nile Red Stain Dropper | 30 mL · About 30 tests | $15.00
Starter Refill Bundle | 10 filters + one 30 mL bottle | $29.00

Research references
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44501
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9941126/

plastisenseproject@gmail.com