Distribution and toxicity of submicron plastic particles in mice

Although microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue, the biodistribution and toxicities of MPs were still unclear. In this study, c57BL/6 mice were treated with submicron-sized MPs labeled with Nile red fluorescence by oral gavage three times a week for four consecutive weeks. Flow cytometry and microscopy technique were used to examine the concentration and distribution of MPs in various tissues and biofluids. The oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Submicron-sized MP signals were found in the intestines, liver, spleen, kidney, lungs, blood, and urine of mice after MP exposure. Increased oxidative stress in mouse urine and elevated inflammatory cytokines in mouse kidney were also recorded. In conclusion, flow cytometry is a useful tool for examining the number concentrations of MPs. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation after MP treatment indicates that the toxicity of MP warrants further investigation.