Electrochemical sensing for real-time monitoring of nanoplastics – Induced toxicity: Dynamic measurements at the exposure-organism interface

There are many biochemical processes and biomarkers that potentially can be picked up by electrochemical sensing. By creating understanding of the techniques of measurement and by linking them to the related biochemical processes, a plethora of opportunities arise to develop real-time measurements on organisms exposed to pollutants. This ultimately can address the difference between "endpoint toxicity profiling" and "whole-process toxicity response monitoring". Application of electrochemical sensing to acquire data in real time is urgently needed because we know that the processes which chemicals and materials undergo at the abiotic-biotic interface are highly dynamic. This perspective focuses on nanoplastics (NPLs) and the interactions that occur within natural waters, in biofilm environments, and biological fluids. It has been proven that detecting NPLs is notoriously difficult, and expanding the toolbox of measuring techniques is needed. Thus, we provide a summary of electrochemical sensing methods and explain our newly developed electrochemical sensing platform that focuses on advanced cellular analyses by utilizing universal microelectrode modification strategies, and thereby also providing a comprehensive characterization of a wide range of ecosystem damages caused by plastic contamination (especially NPLs). The in-depth knowledge is valuable in fields like environmental and human toxicology and nanomedicine.