We integrate smart sample preparation, and Raman analytics into a seamless workflow.

From Liters to Nanometers – Reliable Micro- & Nanoplastics Identification

Our Solution

Close-up of colorful microplastics small debris floating in a water sample, reflecting light against a blue background.

  • Environmental and food samples must be concentrated from liters of liquid down to milliliters.

  • Samples contain not only plastics, but also fibers, minerals, and organic substances.

  • From 500 nm up to 5 mm – covered by software controlled magnification in light microscopy. This allows reliable detection of both submicron fragments and larger particles.

Microplastic Raman (up to 500 Particles, 5 mm – 500 nm) Microplastic Raman (up to 500 Particles, 5 mm – 500 nm)

Our Workflow

    • Density separation, enzymatic and oxidative pretreatment

    • Low-background specialty filters for clean deposition

    • Homogeneous particle distribution across the filter surface

    • Reduced overlap → higher detection confidence

    • DeepMorph detects and classifies particles by size & morphology

    • RamanMetrix identifies polymers via spectral fingerprints

    • Autofocus and scanning illumination guarantee sharp imaging across the entire filter surface

    • Advanced thresholding algorithms ensure homogeneous and comparable particle counts and morphology results

    • Sensitivity down to 500 nm

    • Statistics: counts, morphology, polymer types

    • Robust through PCA and Pearson correlation

    • Reports authored and supervised by experienced scientists

    • Based on a vast library of neutral and colored plastics across different stages

    • Machine learning can be tuned to trace specific sources in manufacturing and filling processes (e.g. packaging, raw material handling, closures)

    • Auditable reports under ISO 9001 QMS

GramRay the most advanced Raman microscope with its stage and objective lenses visible inside an open red case.

Raman Spectroscopy: Reading the Fingerprint of Plastics

Every polymer has a unique vibration pattern of its chemical bonds.
Raman spectroscopy reveals these vibrations – like a spectral fingerprint.

  • Each plastic type (e.g., PET, PE, PS) has a distinct Raman signature.

  • Even colorless or highly fragmented particles can be identified with confidence.

  • Combining morphology with chemistry provides a complete picture:
    → Yes, it’s plastic – and here’s the type.

Raw data, from scanning to reliable Raman signatures of submicron particles

Microscopic view of microplastics, clusters larger ones dissolving and breaking up into smaller particles floating around on a textured surface.

Why Raman instead of FTIR?

  • Higher spatial resolution: Raman achieves submicron focus, while FTIR is typically limited to >10 µm.

  • Dry samples, negligible water interference: Unlike FTIR, Raman analysis is not compromised by strong absorption bands from water — an advantage for both dry and aqueous-origin samples.

  • Speed & automation: Raman integrates seamlessly with automated imaging, autofocus, and AI-driven classification.

  • Fluorescence challenge — but manageable: Some particles emit fluorescence that can mask the Raman signal. In practice, fluorescence is usually caused by contaminants rather than the polymer itself. The smaller the fragment, the less fluorescence tends to occur — which makes Raman particularly strong in the submicron regime.

  • Future-ready: With advanced optics and algorithms, Raman is the most promising path to extend detection below 500 nm, enabling robust nanoplastics analysis.