Chiron AS Introduces World's First Commercial Microplastic Reference Materials

Chiron AS, a subsidiary of ZeptoMetrix®, has innovated the first-ever commercial microplastic reference materials, MicroPRefs®, in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA). Funding for this initiative came from the EUROqCHARM EU project and Innovation Norway. These materials aim to provide a standardized method for microplastic analysis, addressing the vast presence of microplastics in environmental mediums like water, soil, and air, and their association with health risks due to carrying toxins.

MicroPRefs® come in a unique tablet form, featuring defined particle numbers of the six most common plastics in nature, with future variants to be released. The designs mimic natural microplastic sizes and shapes, facilitating real-world application in research and environmental testing. According to Huiling Liu, Ph.D., of ZeptoMetrix, these materials are pivotal for quantifying and identifying microplastic pollution accurately.

Evangeline Gonzalez, President of ZeptoMetrix, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating microplastic pollution through these innovative reference materials. By enhancing the precision of microplastic testing in laboratories, ZeptoMetrix aims to contribute significantly to environmental health monitoring and research. The company also plans to integrate microplastics into proficiency testing programs in collaboration with industry partners.