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Label-free stimulated Raman scattering imaging of intracellular microplastics in mammalian cells

2025 Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Jingyuan Li, De‐Long Zhang, Hyeon Jeong Lee

Summary

Researchers used label-free stimulated Raman scattering imaging to visualize microplastic uptake and distribution inside mammalian cells without fluorescent labels, finding that intracellular microplastics were associated with elevated reactive oxygen species, reduced cell viability, and altered lipid metabolism.

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as potential health hazards, yet their effects on cellular physiology remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed label-free stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging to visualize the intracellular uptake and distribution of MPs in mammalian cells, coupled with complementary functional assays to investigate their biological impact. MP exposure led to significant cellular perturbations, including elevated reactive oxygen species levels, reduced cell viability, and altered lipid metabolism. These results highlight the potential of SRS imaging to uncover both the presence and functional consequences of MPs at the cellular level, offering valuable insight for future health risk assessment and the development of targeted interventions.

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