We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene microbeads influence lipid storage distribution in C. elegans as revealed by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy
Summary
Researchers used coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy to show that polystyrene microbead exposure altered lipid storage distribution in C. elegans, linking microplastic-induced feeding impairment to changes in energy reserves important for reproduction and stress response.
The exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to polystyrene (PS) beads of a wide range of sizes impedes feeding, by reducing food consumption, and has been linked to inhibitory effects on the reproductive capacity of this nematode, as determined in standardized toxicity tests. Lipid storage provides energy for longevity, growth, and reproduction and may influence the organismal response to stress, including the food deprivation resulting from microplastics exposure. However, the effects of microplastics on energy storage have not been investigated in detail. In this study, C. elegans was exposed to ingestible sizes of PS beads in a standardized toxicity test (96 h) and in a multigeneration test (∼21 days), after which lipid storage was quantitatively analyzed in individual adults using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. The results showed that lipid storage distribution in C. elegans was altered when worms were exposed to microplastics in form of PS beads. For example, when exposed to 0.1-μm PS beads, the lipid droplet count was 93% higher, the droplets were up to 56% larger, and the area of the nematode body covered by lipids was up to 79% higher than in unexposed nematodes. The measured values tended to increase as PS bead sizes decreased. Cultivating the nematodes for 96 h under restricted food conditions in the absence of beads reproduced the altered lipid storage and suggested that it was triggered by food deprivation, including that induced by the dilutional effects of PS bead exposure. Our study demonstrates the utility of CARS microscopy to comprehensively image the smaller microplastics (<10 μm) ingested by nematodes and possibly other biota in investigations of the effects at the level of the individual organism.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Size-Dependent Disruption of Lipid Metabolism by Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans Revealed Through Multi-Omics and Functional Genetic Validation
Researchers used the model organism C. elegans to study how polystyrene particles of different sizes affect lipid metabolism, finding that both 100-nanometer and 1-micrometer particles disrupted fat storage and lipid processing. Multi-omics analysis identified four core genes governing the size-dependent metabolic disruption, and elevated levels of specific lipid metabolites confirmed that microplastics can meaningfully interfere with lipid homeostasis.
Food bacteria and synthetic microparticles of similar size influence pharyngeal pumping of Caenorhabditis elegans
Researchers found that polystyrene microbeads of similar size to food bacteria impaired pharyngeal pumping in C. elegans, with the degree of disruption depending on particle size and concentration, suggesting that physical properties of microplastics drive some toxic effects independently of chemical composition.
Quantitative monitoring of microplastics and lipid metabolism in live zebrafish via hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Researchers used spectral focusing hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to longitudinally monitor microplastic uptake, size-dependent organ accumulation, and lipid metabolic changes in live zebrafish during development. They found that microplastic exposure disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, with the SRS imaging approach enabling real-time, label-free tracking of microplastics and associated biochemical changes in living organisms.
Studying Microplastic Incorporation into Corals Using CARS
Researchers used a label-free imaging technique called coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering to visualize microplastics incorporated into coral tissue and skeletons without the need for dyes or markers. They found that polyethylene beads were primarily incorporated in areas where coral tissue had been lost due to bleaching or physical damage, while healthy tissue contained minimal microplastics. The study suggests that stressed or unhealthy corals may be more vulnerable to microplastic incorporation.
Label-free stimulated Raman scattering imaging of intracellular microplastics in mammalian cells
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.