An upgraded laboratory for cleaner MP production and quantification

After just over one year of activity we have learned what works- and what works less well when producing microplastic reference materials (MP RMs). So, in the beginning of the year we compiled all of our experience to figure out what we wanted the ideal MP RM prepration lab to look like, considering the space we currently have.

So, after some careful consideration, many sketches and material sourcing, we tore the old lab apart and started from scratch! (Fig. 1).

We had previously designed and installed, in our microscopy room, a positive-pressure flowhood (Fig. 2). using two Philips 600 series air purifiers (see: https://www.home-appliances.philips/gb/en/p/AC0651_10) to push HEPA-cleaned air (99.97% at 0.003 microns) through the hood at a rate of 2.8 m³ per minute per unit. Thus, we wanted to expand on this concept as it offers a highly price-competitive positive-pressure workstations compared to laboratory-grade laminar flowhoods. Moreover, not only does this approach give access to a clean workspace but it also reduces the particle load inside the whole room.

The main workbench incorporates two enclosed workspaces (Fig. 3); on the left a positive-pressure flowhood useful for drying equipment and for conducting sample manipulation in a clean space. The hood on the right, equipped with upward-facing air purification units, is used for dry sieving of fine (<100 µm) microplastic powders or fibers, during which some particles inevitably become airborne. Performing filtration or other manipulations inside the suction hoods captures these particles at the source, thereby minimizing airborne contamination and preventing cross-contamination.

In addition, a secondary positive-pressure flow hood was constructed to allow multiple projects to be carried out in parallel while maintaining controlled conditions. For increased ergonomics this hood was installed on a height-adjustable frame, allowing the user to either sit or stand (Fig. 4).

Finally, an extraction hood, also installed on a height-adjustable frame was built, allowing for safe and comfortable handling of ethanol used in the EasyMP™ preparation process (Fig. 5).

Finally, since Dr. Nadiia Yakovenko joined our team in September 2025, our activities have expanded to include the development of Py-GC-MS (pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) calibration standards. To this end, we established a dedicated room to avoid airborne contamination, both from our production of microplastic reference materials (MP RMs) and from ambient dust. This led to the construction of a small (but cozy) room within another room, physically separated from the MP RMs laboratory and dedicated to the production of Py-GC-MS calibration standards (Fig. 6).

In combination with cleaner and smarter laboratory conditions, we aim to advance our microplastic reference materials (MP RMs) to the next level, particularly for pure polymers and low-concentration Py-GC-MS calibration standards.

Thank you for your interest in the small but important developments at Microplastic Solution.

Best regards Oskar Hagelskjær

Founder and CEO, Microplastic Solution

oskar@microplasticsolution.com