MicroPRefs®: the revolution in microplastics analysis with Chiron AS

In a world where pollution by microplastics has become a global concern, it is crucial to have reliable methods of analysis. These methods make it possible to accurately assess their impact on the environment and our health.

You’re probably aware of the threat that these tiny fragments of plastic, less than 5 mm in size, pose to our oceans, our soil and even our food chain. But how can we measure these microplastics accurately? That’s where MicroPRefs ® comes in, an innovative European project supported by Chiron AS, which aims to set new standards in microplastics analysis.

Chiron MicroPRefs®: the new range of microplastics to meet environmental challenges.

Ideally designed to detect the six most abundant types of plastic in the environment, the Chiron MicroPRefs® range is now available. These Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are essential for laboratories around the world. CRMs* standardise the analysis of microplastics and guarantee reliable results.

*Certified Reference Materials

The MicroPRefs® project: harmonising the analysis of microplastics.

The mission of the MicroPRefs® project is to develop CRMs for microplastics. This will enable scientists to calibrate their equipment and validate their analytical protocols. In the absence of reference standards, measurements vary from one laboratory to another, making it difficult to compare results. This lack of uniformity can compromise research and the implementation of microplastic management policies.

Chiron AS, a major player in the production of reference standards for laboratories, is playing a crucial role in this project. Their expertise enables them to produce CRMs adapted to the most common polymers:

• Polyethylene (PE), used in particular for packaging and bottles.
• Polypropylene (PP), used in textiles.
• Polystyrene (PS), used in insulation materials, for example.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring and toys.
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), found mainly in textile fibres.
• Polyurethane (PU): used in foams.

Why are Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) essential?

You may be wondering why these reference materials are so important. Here are some of the reasons:

• Calibrating analytical equipment: CRMs can be used to calibrate instruments for accurate identification and quantification of microplastics.
• Ensuring the quality of analyses: They improve the reproducibility of results between different laboratories, ensuring greater data reliability.
• Developing analytical protocols: These materials help to validate and optimise methods for detecting different types of microplastics.

The contribution of Chiron AS Labs: high-quality reference materials.

Chiron AS doesn’t just create certified reference materials; it continually innovates to meet the specific needs of researchers. Here’s how they are contributing to the success of the MicroPRefs® project:

Produced in a variety of sizes, shapes and compositions, these microplastics are designed to reproduce real environmental conditions.

Certified to international standards, CRMs guarantee maximum reliability for laboratories.

The MicroPRef range is available in convenient tablets for use in the laboratory.

CRMs enable researchers to validate standardised analytical protocols. This improves the comparability of studies and increases confidence in the results obtained.

The advances expected thanks to MicroPRef and Chiron AS Labs.

The MicroPRefs project, supported by Chiron AS, is advancing research into microplastics. CRMs are helping researchers to assess the risks and find solutions to limit their spread. In addition, these advances will provide authorities with reliable data on which to base policies for managing microplastics. The progress made in this project will have a lasting impact on water, soil and air quality.

In conclusion

With MicroPRefs®, Chiron AS is not just providing reference materials. They pave the way for more rigorous science and a better understanding of plastic pollution. This collaboration marks a decisive turning point for research into microplastics and the protection of our planet.

As the official distributor of Chiron AS Labs products in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, we are delighted to offer you this exclusive range of MicroPRefs® CRMs for your microplastics analyses. Contact us for more information about these innovative solutions and discover how they can transform your research and analysis.

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