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Novel Near-Infrared Imaging Unveils Higher Risk of Biodegradable Microplastics on Fish Red Blood Cells at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
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Researchers developed novel near-infrared imaging probes to study how microplastics interact with fish red blood cells at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study found that biodegradable microplastics posed a higher risk to red blood cell integrity than conventional plastics, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are always safer for aquatic organisms.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in human blood, particularly in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. However, understanding their direct interactions with blood cells remains challenging due to the lack of reliable detection methods. Available fluorescent probes suffer from spectral overlap with red blood cell (RBCs) autofluorescence, masking MP-induced effects. To overcome this, we proposed activatable near-infrared (NIR) probes that specifically target indicators in the RBCs. The NIR probes operate within a spectral range distinct from RBCs autofluorescence, exhibiting minimal background and a high turn-on response. Coupled with NIR imaging, this platform enabled the quantification of key redox indicators in zebrafish RBCs following exposure to pristine/aged biodegradable MPs poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Dose–response analyses revealed that PLA disrupted redox homeostasis in a dose-dependent manner. PLA showed greater toxicity than polystyrene, and aging further amplified their toxicity. Notably, the toxicity threshold of PLA and aged PLA was lower than the MP concentrations found in certain healthy human blood, and all MPs toxicity thresholds were below the levels detected in cardiovascular patients. This study provides a highly sensitive detection platform and underscores the urgent need to monitor the adverse effects of MPs on RBCs, particularly for PLA, for which monitoring data and toxicological evaluation remain critically lacking.
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Novel Near-InfraredImaging Unveils Higher Risk ofBiodegradable Microplastics on Fish Red Blood Cells at EnvironmentallyRelevant Concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a near-infrared imaging approach to detect microplastics in blood cells without the spectral overlap problems of conventional fluorescent probes, enabling direct observation of MP interactions with red blood cells. The technique revealed that biodegradable microplastics posed higher risks to blood cell integrity than conventional plastic types.
Visible Combined Near-Infrared in Situ Imaging Revealed Dynamic Effects of Microplastic Fibers and Beads in Zebrafish
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Researchers used a combined visible and near-infrared imaging technique to track microplastic fibers and beads in live zebrafish in real time. They observed that microplastics were quickly ingested and could be retained briefly in the digestive tract before being eliminated. The study provides new insights into the dynamic behavior of microplastics inside living organisms and whether any tissue damage that occurs during transit can be reversed.
Near-Infrared-II In Vivo Visualization and Quantitative Tracking of Micro/Nanoplastics in Fish
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Scientists developed a new near-infrared imaging technique to track micro- and nanoplastics inside living zebrafish in real time, overcoming limitations of previous detection methods. They found that both sizes of plastic particles accumulated mainly in the gut, with microplastics concentrating more in the front sections and nanoplastics distributing more evenly. This tracking tool helps researchers better understand how plastic particles move through and accumulate in living organisms, which is essential for assessing the risks of microplastic exposure.
Development of a Binary Digestion System for Extraction Microplastics in Fish and Detection Method by Optical Photothermal Infrared
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Researchers developed a two-step digestion method using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide to extract microplastics from fish tissues, then detected the particles using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy. This approach improves the ability to find microplastics in biological samples by efficiently removing complex fat-rich matrices that interfere with detection.
Infiltrating Biodegradable Microplastics in Zebrafish Blood: From Size Barrier Penetration to Risk.
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles from "biodegradable" plastic (a common plastic alternative) can slip into the bloodstream of zebrafish, as long as the particles are smaller than about 3 micrometers, where they trigger cell damage and liver stress. Concerningly, the plastic became even more harmful after breaking down from sun exposure, and the levels that caused harm were lower than what's already been measured in some polluted waters. While this study was done in fish, it raises questions about whether similar biodegradable plastic particles could pose risks to human blood and organs, since "biodegradable" doesn't necessarily
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