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Visible Combined Near-Infrared in Situ Imaging Revealed Dynamic Effects of Microplastic Fibers and Beads in Zebrafish
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Researchers used a combined visible and near-infrared imaging technique to track microplastic fibers and beads in live zebrafish in real time. They observed that microplastics were quickly ingested and could be retained briefly in the digestive tract before being eliminated. The study provides new insights into the dynamic behavior of microplastics inside living organisms and whether any tissue damage that occurs during transit can be reversed.
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants are widely present in the environment and are ubiquitously ingested and accumulated by aquatic organisms. MPs may be quickly eliminated after a brief retention in aquatic animals (such as the digestive tract); thus, understanding the damage caused by MPs during this process and whether the damage can be recovered is important. Here, we proposed the use of visible light imaging to track MPs combined with near-infrared (NIR) imaging to reveal the in situ impacts of MPs. The combination of these two techniques allows for the simultaneous investigation of the localization and functionality of MPs in vivo. We investigated the effects of two types of MPs on zebrafish, microplastic fibers (MFs) and microplastic beads (MBs). The results showed that MPs larger than 10 μm primarily accumulated in the intestines of zebrafish. Both MFs and MBs disrupted the redox balance of the intestine, and the location of the damage was consistent with the heterogeneous accumulation of MPs. MFs caused greater and more difficult-to-recover damage compared to MBs, which was closely related to the slower elimination rate of MFs. Our study highlights the importance of capturing the dynamic toxicological effects of MPs on organisms. Fibrous MPs and spherical MPs clearly had distinct effects on their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in fish.
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Scientists developed a new near-infrared imaging technique to track micro- and nanoplastics inside living zebrafish in real time, overcoming limitations of previous detection methods. They found that both sizes of plastic particles accumulated mainly in the gut, with microplastics concentrating more in the front sections and nanoplastics distributing more evenly. This tracking tool helps researchers better understand how plastic particles move through and accumulate in living organisms, which is essential for assessing the risks of microplastic exposure.
Quantitative assessment and monitoring of microplastics and nanoplastics distributions and lipid metabolism in live zebrafish using hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
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Researchers developed a new imaging technique to watch microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in live zebrafish in real time, without needing dyes or labels. They found that these tiny plastic particles built up in the fish's digestive system and disrupted fat metabolism, providing direct visual evidence of how micro- and nanoplastics can interfere with basic biological processes.
Three-dimensional tracking of microplastics in zebrafish using micro-computed tomography
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Scientists used a special 3D scanning technique (like a CT scan for fish) to watch, in real time, how tiny plastic particles move through a zebrafish's gut after being eaten—without having to cut the fish open. They found the microplastics travel toward the back of the intestine before being eliminated, and this new tracking method could help researchers better understand where plastics linger in the body and what harm they might cause. While this study was done in fish, it offers a promising tool for future research into how ingested microplastics behave inside living creatures, including potentially humans.
Label-free 4D confocal Raman imaging enabling in vivo multiplex identification of microplastics in zebrafish
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Scientists created a new imaging technique that can track five different types of microplastics inside living zebrafish at the same time, without needing to add dyes or chemical tags that could alter the results. They found that different plastic types build up in the gut at different rates, with noticeable accumulation after just 8 hours of exposure, a tool like this could help researchers better understand how the mix of plastics we're exposed to in real life actually moves through and affects living bodies, which matters since humans regularly ingest microplastics from food and water.
Near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescent poly(ethylene terephthalate) nano-microplastics for in vivo tracking
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Researchers developed a new method to track nano-microplastics inside living animals in real time using near-infrared fluorescent imaging. By embedding a special dye into common PET plastic particles, they were able to follow the particles through mice after oral exposure, offering a promising tool for studying how plastics of different sizes behave inside the body.
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