3D Tracking of microplastics distribution in zebrafish using X-ray micro Computed Tomography

3D Tracking of microplastics distribution in zebrafish using X-ray micro Computed Tomography

Konferenční sborník (ne stať)

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised concerns about their potential impact on biological systems. Accurate detection and localization of MPs within biological tissues are crucial for understanding their impact on the organisms. Traditional detection methods offer chemical identification but because of the destructive sample preparation, the information about spatial distribution is lost. This study explores the potential of X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) as a non-invasive method to visualize and track MPs within biological samples. Using zebrafish as a model, spherical polyethylene particles (30–110 μm) were introduced into the digestive tract. This method enabled researchers to localize MPs passage through guts and quantitatively measure their morphology. Results show that microCT can reliably detect and locate MPs in biological tissues, offering advantages over conventional techniques that may disrupt sample integrity. The ability to track MPs in 3D allows for detailed studies of accumulation sites, patterns, and possible pathways in organisms. Therefore, this non-destructive approach opens new possibilities for studying how microplastics behave post-digestion in biological systems. It supports further development of standardized protocols for environmental and biomedical research focused on MP exposure and effects.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised concerns about their potential impact on biological systems. Accurate detection and localization of MPs within biological tissues are crucial for understanding their impact on the organisms. Traditional detection methods offer chemical identification but because of the destructive sample preparation, the information about spatial distribution is lost. This study explores the potential of X-ray micro computed tomography (microCT) as a non-invasive method to visualize and track MPs within biological samples. Using zebrafish as a model, spherical polyethylene particles (30–110 μm) were introduced into the digestive tract. This method enabled researchers to localize MPs passage through guts and quantitatively measure their morphology. Results show that microCT can reliably detect and locate MPs in biological tissues, offering advantages over conventional techniques that may disrupt sample integrity. The ability to track MPs in 3D allows for detailed studies of accumulation sites, patterns, and possible pathways in organisms. Therefore, this non-destructive approach opens new possibilities for studying how microplastics behave post-digestion in biological systems. It supports further development of standardized protocols for environmental and biomedical research focused on MP exposure and effects.

Microplastics, microCT, zebrafish, tracking

Microplastics, microCT, zebrafish, tracking

PAROBKOVÁ, V.; MALEČEK, L.; KALČÍKOVÁ, G.; VYKYPĚLOVÁ, M.; ADAMOVSKÝ, O.; ZIKMUND, T.; KAISER, J.

01.08.2025

VUTIUM

978-80-214-6358-5

86