We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
3D imaging shows nano- and microparticles are internalized by salmon skin and corneal epithelial cells
Summary
Researchers used advanced 3D imaging to show that nano- and microplastic particles can be taken up by salmon skin and eye cells. The skin cells, which serve as the fish's first line of immune defense, actively internalized the plastic particles. The findings suggest that fish may absorb microplastics directly through their skin, not just through ingestion, opening up a previously underappreciated route of exposure.
The rising problem of plastic pollution is becoming one of the major environmental issues for the world. In the ocean, plastics undergo degradation into smaller microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Wild fish and farmed salmon would likely be exposed to these NPs and MPs both through skin and through skin wounds. Keratocyte cells, located in the skin epithelial layer, are scavenger cells which may remove foreign materials and maintain the salmon’s health. They are therefore first in line to handle and to suffer from MP and NP exposure. While the impacts of MPs have been well studied in many different organisms, much less is known about the effects of NP exposure, particularly at the subcellular level. Here, we have used holotomographic and fluorescence microscopy to show that both skin and corneal salmon keratocyte cells fully internalize 500–1000 nm polystyrene particles, as well as inorganic 500 nm silica particles. The fact that corneal epithelial cells also take up particles is novel. Furthermore, some of these particles likely end up in lysosomal compartments within 2 hours of exposure. Here, we show that both conventional and new modalities of microscopy have a role to play to understand how micro- and nano particles affect epithelial cells.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Fluorescent Microplastic Uptake by Immune Cells of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Researchers exposed immune cells from the head kidney, spleen, and peripheral blood of Atlantic salmon to fluorescent polystyrene microplastics (1-5 µm) at environmental and elevated concentrations and measured uptake and cytotoxicity. They found that immune cells actively internalised microplastics in a size- and concentration-dependent manner, with uptake varying by cell type and organ, raising concern about impairment of immune function in fish exposed to small microplastics.
Uncovering real-time interaction of polystyrene particles and cells from scales of Atlantic salmon by quantitative phase microscopy
Researchers used quantitative phase microscopy to observe in real time how polystyrene microplastic particles interact with cells on Atlantic salmon scales, revealing mechanisms of particle adhesion and cellular uptake relevant to fish health in aquaculture.
Confocal Surface-Enhanced Raman Imaging of the Intestinal Barrier Crossing Behavior of Model Nanoplastics in Daphnia Magna
Using advanced Raman imaging, researchers directly observed nanoplastic particles crossing the intestinal wall of water fleas (Daphnia magna) for the first time. They identified two specific cellular mechanisms — clathrin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis — that cells use to absorb the tiny plastic particles. This study provides concrete evidence of how nanoplastics can pass through the gut barrier into the body, a process relevant to understanding human exposure through food and water.
Quantitative assessment and monitoring of microplastics and nanoplastics distributions and lipid metabolism in live zebrafish using hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
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.
Confocal surface-enhanced Raman imaging of the intestine barrier crossing behavior of nanoplastics in Daphnia magna
Using a specially engineered nanoplastic particle visible under confocal Raman imaging, researchers tracked how nanoplastics move from the gut into other organs of the water flea Daphnia magna. The study revealed that nanoplastics can cross the intestinal barrier and translocate to other body parts, providing direct visual evidence of how these particles spread through a living organism and raising concerns about similar processes in other aquatic animals.