Chiron AS in Trondheim Develops World's First Commercial Microplastic Reference Materials

Chiron AS, part of ZeptoMetrix®, has launched the world's first commercially available microplastic reference materials, named MicroPRefs®. Developed in partnership with the Norwegian Institute for Water Research and supported by EU and Innovation Norway grants, these materials aim to improve the accuracy of microplastic measurement.

Microplastic particles are pervasive in the environment, found in water, soil, and air. They carry various environmental toxins, posing significant health risks globally. The new reference materials provide a standard for measuring microplastics, consisting of particles that mimic those found in nature.

MicroPRefs® feature a tablet format with defined particle numbers, sizes ranging from 50 to 300 microns, and include single and multi-polymer variants. These materials help researchers analyze microplastic content more accurately, supporting environmental and health monitoring efforts.

The development has been described as essential for advancing microplastic monitoring, enhancing the confidence of laboratory results worldwide. ZeptoMetrix remains committed to innovation in addressing real-world issues through such advancements.