Near-Infrared-II In Vivo Visualization and Quantitative Tracking of Micro/Nanoplastics in Fish

Abstract

As emerging contaminants, micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are widely present in aquatic environments and are often ingested by aquatic organisms. However, the in vivo trafficking and fate of MNPs remain largely unknown. Here, we developed near-infrared (NIR) aggregated-induced emission (AIE) fluorophore-labeled microplastics (2 μm) and nanoplastics (100 nm) as models of MNPs. This model was based on the NIR-AIE technique with strong emission at the second near-infrared (NIR-IIII) window, which overcomes the interference of autofluorescence and observation artifacts in the detection of commercial fluorescent-labeled particles. Due to its deep tissue penetration and noninvasiveness, the dynamic process of accumulation and transport of MNPs in individuals can be tracked with NIR imaging. We then directly visualized and quantified the uptake and depuration processes of MPs and NPs in zebrafish. The results showed that the MPs and NPs were mainly accumulated in the fish gut, and the distribution was heterogeneous. MPs tended to accumulate more in the fore and mid areas of the gut compared with NPs. Besides, both MPs and NPs could accumulate in large quantities locally in the gut and might cause intestinal obstruction. MNPs accumulated slowly during the initial exposure followed by rapid and sustained accumulation in gut. Based on these kinetic accumulation and depuration, we developed a refined toxicokinetic (TK) model to describe the dynamic changes in the uptake and depuration of MNPs. Overall, this study proposed a MNP model based on the NIR-AIE technique, which provided a reliable tracer technology for the visualization, tracking and quantification of MNPs in vivo.

A Progress Review On Characterization, Environmental Behaviors And Toxicity Effects Of Micro (Nano) Plastics Using Atomic Spectrometry

“…MNPLs have become ubiquitous in the environment, even in places where human activities are less. 3 Identifying the possible sources of MNPLs is also important to reduce their environmental risks. In the manufacturing process of commercial MNPLs, some additives such as inorganic and organometallic compounds are usually added to broaden their application as heat stabilizers, fillers, pigments, fungicides, and flame retardants.…”

“…Secondary MPLs are formed from larger plastics in the environment due to UV-induced degradation, hydrolysis and biodegradation processes, or during use. 3 Due to the potential ecological and health impacts of MPLs in the environment, researchers have suggested to consider mechanical breaking down plastic fragments to a lower scale (sub-micron scale). Nanoplastics (NPLs) are defined as unintentionally produced particles during the manufacture and degradation of plastic objects and exhibit colloidal behavior, with sizes ranging from 1 to 1000 nm.…”

“…Spectrosc. 2023, 44 (5), 282-297. analysis of smaller plastics can be realized, and it gradually develops from MPLs to NPLs; (2) In the past, the main research scenes of MNPLs focused on water and sediments, but in recent studies, it began to explore its scenes in soil and organisms (including biological accumulation and toxicity); (3) The study of MNPLs by atomic spectroscopy has developed rapidly and LIBS, ICP-MS and TOF-SIMS are all effective analytical methods at present.…”

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Profiling Cellular Heterogeneity and Specific Responses of Fish Gills to Microplastics and Nanoplastics

“…Digestive organs (e.g., gut and intestines) are widely recognized as the primary target for the accumulation of MPs in fish. , In recent years, a previously overlooked but MP-sensitive organ (i.e., gills) in fish has attracted increasing attention. It was demonstrated that the proportion of the retained polystyrene (PS) in gills of medaka Oryzias melastigma can reach more than 10% .…”

Microplastics Biofragmentation and Degradation Kinetics in the Plastivore Insect Tenebrio molitor

“…Interestingly, the degradable MPs (i.e., PLA MPs) likely displayed higher fragmentation rates, removal efficiency, and egestion rates compared to persistent PE and PVC MPs. We further synthesized two functionalized biocompatible fluorescent probes (esterase activity and acidification) using the AIE technique based on previous literature, 33,36 and unraveled how the intestinal responses may affect the in vivo biodegradation of MPs in the plastic-degrading insect. We discovered that the plastivore insect, T. molitor larvae, could instinctively modulate their internal digestive environment in response to the biodegradation of various MPs.…”