We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Size-Dependent Effects of Polystyrene Nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on Behaviors and Endogenous Neurochemicals in Zebrafish Larvae
Summary
Researchers exposed zebrafish larvae to polystyrene nanoparticles of two sizes (50 nm and 100 nm) to assess size-dependent neurotoxic effects. The study found that 50 nm particles circulated in blood vessels and accumulated in the brain, inducing abnormal behavior and disrupting dopaminergic metabolites, while 100 nm particles had distinct but less pronounced neurological effects.
Microplastics, small pieces of plastic derived from polystyrene, have recently become an ecological hazard due to their toxicity and widespread occurrence in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we exposed zebrafish larvae to two types of fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) to identify their size-dependent effects. PS-NPs of 50 nm, unlike 100 nm PS-NPs, were found to circulate in the blood vessels and accumulate in the brains of zebrafish larvae. Behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis showed that 50 nm PS-NPs induce abnormal behavioral patterns and changes in EEG power spectral densities in zebrafish larvae. In addition, the quantification of endogenous neurochemicals in zebrafish larvae showed that 50 nm PS-NPs disturb dopaminergic metabolites, whereas 100 nm PS-NPs do not. Finally, we assessed the effect of PS-NPs on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using a microfluidic system. The results revealed that 50 nm PS-NPs have high BBB penetration compared with 100 nm PS-NPs. Taken together, we concluded that small nanoparticles disturb the nervous system, especially dopaminergic metabolites.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Polystyrene nanoplastics induced size-dependent developmental and neurobehavioral toxicities in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and juveniles to polystyrene nanoplastics of three different sizes and found that all sizes crossed into the brain, eyes, and other organs. Smaller particles tended to cause different types of damage than larger ones, including changes in brain development and behavior. This size-dependent toxicity is relevant to human health because we are exposed to a wide range of nanoplastic sizes through food and water.
Evaluation of phenotypic and behavioral toxicity of micro- and nano-plastic polystyrene particles in larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio )
Researchers exposed larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to six sizes (0.05–10.2 µm) and multiple concentrations of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics and assessed toxicity using embryo and behavioral assays. Smaller particles and higher concentrations caused greater phenotypic and behavioral toxicity, with particle uptake and organ distribution confirmed, establishing size as a key determinant of polystyrene MP toxicity in a vertebrate developmental model.
Evaluation of phenotypic and behavioral toxicity of micro- and nano-plastic polystyrene particles in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene particles ranging from 50 nanometers to 10 micrometers and found that nearly all sizes caused physical abnormalities and changes in swimming behavior. Smaller particles were taken up more readily and distributed to organs including the brain and gut. These findings are relevant to human health because zebrafish share many biological pathways with humans, and the results suggest that both micro- and nano-sized plastics can cause developmental harm.
Mechanisms Underlying the Size-Dependent Neurotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Zebrafish
Scientists discovered that smaller nanoplastics cause more severe brain and nerve damage in zebrafish than larger ones, and identified the molecular pathways behind this size-dependent toxicity. The smaller particles more easily crossed biological barriers and triggered greater oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system, which is important for understanding potential neurological risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Neurotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics with different particle sizes at environment-related concentrations on early zebrafish embryos
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes at concentrations found in the environment and observed significant brain damage. The nanoplastics caused loss of neurons, shortened nerve fibers, and disrupted brain signaling systems that control behavior. Smaller nanoplastics caused the most severe damage because they could pass through protective barriers more easily, suggesting that the tiniest plastic particles pose the greatest risk to brain development.