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Technische Universität München

Electro-Optic Meta Tweezers for Precise Manipulation and Analysis of Underwater Sub-100 nm Nanoplastics / AcquaSENS

 Objectives

  • Design and Fabrication of novel metasurfaces: Optimization of the structural parameters of the metasurface to enhance sensitivity and specificity. Fabrication of the metasurface using nanolithography technique

  • Development of an electro-optical meta-tweezing platform: Integration of the fabricated metasurface with the microfluidic flow cell for electro-optical trapping of nanoplastics

  • Real-time in situ monitoring of engineered nanoplastics: The fabricated sensor sensitivity and reliability tested through online coupling of Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) and Raman microspectroscopy for effective analysis of lab-based sub-100 nm engineered nanoplastics

  • Field trials, validation and technology sharing with industry and policy makers: To validate efficacy, the sensor will be tested on real-world micro- and nanoplastic samples. To promote the technology, collaboration with the water industry and government partners ensures ecosystem sustainability.

Methods of Approach

Description

The “Nanoplastics (NPLs)-AcquaSENS” project aims to revolutionize the detection of nanoplastics (<100 nm) in aquatic environments by developing an innovative online Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) system coupled with electro-optic meta-sensors. By integrating advanced nanolithography, numerical simulations, and SERS-based electro-optic meta tweezers, the project enables real-time, non-destructive trapping and analysis of NPLs. The goal is to create a high-resolution spectral library for drinking water monitoring and contribute to future water quality regulations and public health protection.

Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), this project features a dynamic transatlantic collaboration with the QuantumNano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF) at the University of Waterloo, harnessing cutting-edge nanofabrication to power next-generation electro-optic sensors — bringing nanoplastics detection from the lab to real-world water environments.

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