We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodistribution of nanoplastics in mice: advancing analytical techniques using metal-doped plastics
Summary
Researchers developed a new analytical method using palladium-doped nanoplastics to track where plastic particles go in the body after ingestion in mice. They found that after short-term exposure, most particles passed through the digestive system and were excreted, but longer-term exposure led to accumulation in body tissues. The study advances the ability to detect and trace nanoplastics at extremely small concentrations in biological samples.
Contamination of plastic particles in environmental and biological systems raises concerns regarding their potential negative impacts. Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) is increasing; however, some potential adverse health effects might remain unclear, due to analytical challenges in detecting trace concentrations. To address this, we propose a workflow for NPs assessment in biological samples combining three complimentary methods, namely inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI), and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to detect palladium-doped NPs (Pd-NPs). This approach was used to quantify the temporal distribution and accumulation of Pd-NPs in mouse models under different experimental conditions, dosages, and time frames. Acute exposure showed a clear particle excretion from the gastrointestinal tract into feces, while subchronic exposure led to tissue accumulation. This workflow enhances our ability to analyze and study NP uptake and biodistribution mechanisms down to the nanoscale in complex biological samples.