We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxicity and Biodistribution of Fragmented Polypropylene Microplastics in ICR Mice
Summary
Researchers fed mice two different sizes of polypropylene microplastics and found no significant toxic effects in standard toxicological assessments, including body weight, organ weight, and tissue examination. They established that the no-observed-adverse-effect level was at or above 2,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Using fluorescently labeled particles, the team tracked the distribution of microplastics in real time, finding that the particles spread to multiple organs including the brain.
Currently, polypropylene (PP) is used in various products, thus leading to high daily exposure in humans. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the toxicological effects, biodistribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in the human body. In this study, administration of two particle sizes of PP microplastics (approximately 5 and 10-50 µm) did not lead to any significant changes in several toxicological evaluation parameters, including body weight and pathological examination, compared with the control group in ICR mice. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level of PP microplastics in ICR mice were established as ≥2000 mg/kg. Furthermore, we manufactured cyanine 5.5 carboxylic acid (Cy5.5-COOH)-labeled fragmented PP microplastics to monitor real-time in vivo biodistribution. After oral administration of the Cy5.5-COOH-labeled microplastics to the mice, most of the PP microplastics were detected in the gastrointestinal tract and observed to be out of the body after 24 h in IVIS Spectrum CT. Therefore, this study provides a new insight into the short-term toxicity, distribution, and accumulation of PP microplastics in mammals.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution and Tissue Damage After a Single Microplastic Exposure in Mice
Researchers administered fluorescent microplastics to mice by oral gavage and tracked their distribution through the body over several hours. They found direct evidence of microplastic particles in the blood, lungs, brain, kidneys, liver, and spleen, with fluorescence peaking at two hours after exposure. Histological examination revealed mild tissue damage including congestion in the liver and lungs, providing evidence that ingested microplastics can enter the bloodstream and reach multiple organs.
Distribution and toxicity of submicron plastic particles in mice
Researchers found that orally administered submicron-sized microplastics distributed to multiple organs and biofluids in mice over four weeks, causing oxidative stress and inflammation in tissues including the liver, kidneys, and gut.
Tissue accumulation of microplastics in mice and biomarker responses suggest widespread health risks of exposure
Researchers fed mice polystyrene microplastics of two sizes and tracked where the particles accumulated in the body, finding them in the liver, kidneys, and gut with distribution patterns depending on particle size. Biochemical analysis revealed that microplastic exposure disrupted energy and fat metabolism, caused oxidative stress, and altered markers of neurotoxicity in the blood. The study provides evidence that microplastics can accumulate in mammalian tissues and may pose widespread health risks.
Analysis of Biodistribution and in vivo Toxicity of Varying Sized Polystyrene Micro and Nanoplastics in Mice
This study found that smaller plastic particles spread more widely through the bodies of mice and caused more organ damage than larger ones, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Nanoplastics (under 1 micrometer) were especially concerning because they crossed biological barriers more easily than microplastics. The results suggest that the tiniest plastic particles in our environment may pose the greatest health risks.
Evidence on Invasion of Blood, Adipose Tissues, Nervous System and Reproductive System of Mice After a Single Oral Exposure: Nanoplastics versus Microplastics.
Researchers found that after a single oral exposure in mice, nanoplastics were rapidly absorbed into the blood, accumulated in fat tissues, and crossed both the blood-brain and blood-testis barriers. The study demonstrated that the distribution and behavior of plastic particles in mammals is strongly dependent on particle size, with nanoplastics showing substantially greater tissue penetration than microplastics.