Open Platform for harmonized microplastic detection

OpenMNP is an open-access platform dedicated to eliminating technical barriers in microplastic identification. We provide consistent, transparent detection methods — starting with Raman spectroscopy and expanding to mass spectrometry — so that every researcher, regulator, and industry professional can identify microplastics with confidence. Together, we are advancing toward harmonized detection practices.

Try Methods

Have ideas about our methods? Don't hesitate to reach out.

Platform Updates

View Full Project
First detection method launched on OpenMNP
Launch

First Method Now Live: Raman-Based Identification for Thermally Aged Microplastics

The inaugural OpenMNP detection method is ready. Covering 8 polymer types with in-situ Raman spectra from 25°C to 800°C, it achieves 91% median matching accuracy.

2025Shuang Deng
Learn More
OpenMNP platform growing
Open Call

Call for Methods: Contribute Your Detection Technology to OpenMNP

We welcome researchers worldwide to contribute new identification methods — Raman, FTIR, LDIR, Py-GC/MS, and beyond — to grow the OpenMNP ecosystem.

2025Shuang Deng
Learn More
Toward a unified microplastic detection standard
Vision

Toward a Unified Standard: Why Microplastics Research Needs Shared Protocols

Without standardized detection, microplastic data remains siloed and incomparable. OpenMNP is building the foundation for a shared, open detection standard.

2025Shuang Deng
Learn More

Why OpenMNP?

Microplastic detection today is fragmented — every lab uses different instruments, libraries, and criteria. OpenMNP is building a harmonized, open platform to change that.

Raman spectral evolution during thermal aging

Consistent, Comparable Results

When labs use a shared detection pipeline, results become truly comparable across regions and studies — a critical step toward harmonized microplastic identification.

Zero Technical Barriers

No expensive software. No proprietary algorithms. Everything is open-source, transparent, and accessible. Upload a .txt file and get results instantly.

Growing Detection Ecosystem

This Raman framework is just the beginning. More detection technologies — including mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) — and sample types are coming to the platform.

Try Methods

Toward Harmonized Detection

Currently, microplastic detection methods vary widely between laboratories — different instruments, different spectral libraries, different matching criteria. This fragmentation makes it impossible to compare results across studies or build reliable global datasets. OpenMNP exists to help change that. Our first method — an in-situ Raman framework covering 8 polymer types with a 91% median matching rate — is freely available, fully transparent, and ready for you to use. Mass spectrometry and other detection technologies will join the platform. Together, we can make microplastic identification more consistent, comparable, and accessible to everyone.

View on GitHub

Join the Standardization Effort

Be the first to know when new detection methods are added to OpenMNP. Together, we can advance toward consistent, transparent, and accessible microplastic detection.

Research Partner Institutions

Chinese Academy of Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences
Institute of Process Engineering, CAS Institute of Process Engineering, CAS
Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences
State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering