Klytaimnistra Katsara
Biography
Mrs. Klytaimnistra Katsara is a PhD candidate at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (since 11/2021), collaborating with IESL-FORTH (PPM Group). Her dissertation, titled “Occurrence of microplastics in foodstuffs and factors that affect their migration,” is supervised by Assistant Professors Vassilis M. Papadakis, El. Alissandrakis, and Dr. G. Kenanakis.
Research Interest
She specializes in Raman/ATR spectroscopy, researching food, micro/nanoplastics, plants, and biomaterials. She graduated in Materials Science (2016) and completed a Master's in Biochemistry (2019), analyzing Raman data in lymphoma cells. After that, she worked as a Laboratory assistant in the “DODECA LABS IKE” LABORATORY OF CHEMICAL & MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSES in Rhodes (Greece). Finally, she trained as a lab technician, working 2 years before her PhD in FORTH, on projects, such as “NFFA-Nanoscience Foundries and Fine Analysis Europe,” “H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019” entitled “PANTHEON”, and “NanoBioPack. She published over 10 papers and holds a Piano Diploma from “MusicHorizons.”
Abstract
Microplastics’ Detection in Honey: Development of Protocols in a Simulation
Honey, widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, has recently faced scrutiny due to contamination by microplastics. Bees’ exposure to plastic pollution affects the entire hive ecosystem, and plastic particles often accumulate in hive products. Additionally, the use of plastic packaging like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in small flexible containers increases the risk of microplastic migration into the honey. This study aims to develop three practical methods for detecting PET microplastics and nanoplastics in honey, utilizing commonly available laboratory equipment without chemical digestion or expensive pretreatment processes. The first method employs Raman micro-spectroscopy, which provides high-resolution identification of PET microplastics on cellulose acetate filters using Raman mapping, eliminating the need for organic solvents or dyes. The second method uses optical microscopy with fluorescence, enhanced by 4-dimethylamino-4′-nitrostilbene dye and ultraviolet radiation to improve microplastic visibility, making it accessible for laboratories with basic optical microscopes. To separate microplastics from solid honey particles, a density separator utilizing pentane has been introduced. Finally, the third method uses electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to detect nanoplastics (less than 200 nm) in honey by analyzing the different extraction phases from density separation. These methods offer effective ways to detect microplastics in honey, ensuring its quality and safety for consumption.
