Detection, characterization and imaging of micro- and nanoparticles in biotic tissues by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a multi-elemental optical technique with a capability of element imaging in various biotic tissues. In this work, we present an overview of the LIBS achievements in micro- and nanoparticles bioimaging since 2012. The progress in the assessment of spatially resolved analysis of micro- and nanoparticles together with a possible simultaneous detection of macro- or micronutrients and non-essential elements in tissues is documented. We highlight a novelty application in the field of an indirect detection of elemental biomarkers by nanoparticle labelling and the utilization of micro- and nanoparticles on the sample surface for signal enhancement. Pioneering studies of microplastics detection, characterization, and imaging by LIBS are also mentioned since this technique seems to be a promising new tool in microplastics research. This review summarizes the state of the art in micro- and nanoparticles bioimaging in tissues by LIBS with a spatial resolution at the micrometer scale. • The use of the LIBS method in micro- and nanoparticles imaging in biotic tissues is reviewed. • The LIBS multi-elemental imaging of emerging contaminants together with nutrients is summarized. • The utilization of LIBS in microplastics research is referred. • The indirect detection of molecular biomarkers by using micro- and nano-labels is discussed. • The LIBS is compared to other bioimaging techniques.