Advancements in bio-tracking and bio-imaging technologies for microplastics

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2024.06.002

Abstract

Abstract:

This article reviews the advancements in bio-tracking and imaging techniques for microplastics (MPs). Currently, fluorescent labeling, metal labeling, and isotope labeling are commonly employed, with fluorescent tracers being the most widely used method. Hyperspectral imaging, surface-enhanced Raman imaging, and polarized light imaging are also used due to the spectral characteristics of plastics. Combined with high-resolution imaging technology, tissue clearing made it possible to visualize three-dimensional (3D) imaging, providing a new perspective for in-depth research on the biological effects of MPs. Using various tracking technologies and imaging methods combined with 3D processing and analysis software will elucidate the distribution of microplastics in different organs and even individual organisms in the future. This comprehensive analysis method is expected to provide a stronger scientific foundation for the environmental risk assessment and management of MPs.

Key words: microplastics, tracking technique, imaging technology, biomarkers

CLC Number:

X502

Cuizhu MA, Wenjun ZHAO, Yufei CHEN, Huahong SHI. Advancements in bio-tracking and bio-imaging technologies for microplastics[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Natural Science), 2024, 2024(6): 14-23.

Figures/Tables 5

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荧光结合方式	粒径/nm	荧光颜色	浓度/(mg/L)	暴露方式	荧光分布部位
荧光内嵌^[10]	51	绿	10	水相暴露	卵黄囊
物理吸附^[11]	500	橙、绿	1000	水相暴露	卵黄囊
尼罗红染色^[12]	700	红	5	显微注射	心脏
未知^[9]	25、50	红	5000	水相暴露	眼部

方法	获取手段	检测仪器	前处理
荧光示踪法	商业化	荧光显微镜	可选是否需消解
分子探针法	自行制备	分光光度计	需消解
金属示踪法	自行制备	电感耦合等离子体质谱仪	无
同位素示踪法	自行制备	液体闪烁计数仪	无

生物示踪/成像技术		优点	缺点	未来发展方向
生物示踪技术	染色法荧光标记	操作简便, 可视化效果好	存在假阳性和荧光不均匀等问题	优化荧光标记方法, 提高其稳定性和特异性
	金属标记	稳定性好, 检测灵敏度高	可能改变微塑料的物理性质	关注金属标记对微塑料性质的影响, 并开发密度更接近原始微塑料的标记方法
	同位素标记	准确追踪微塑料的转化和降解过程	制备和检测成本较高	拓展同位素标记在环境和生物体系中的应用, 并降低其成本
	分子探针法荧光标记	特异性强, 灵敏度高	探针设计和合成较为复杂	开发针对不同类型微塑料的特异性探针, 并探索其在活体示踪中的应用
生物成像技术	高光谱成像	样品无须预处理, 可快速检测	对仪器要求高, 小尺寸微塑料检测困难	提高仪器分辨率,完善谱库建设, 以增强对小尺寸微塑料的检测能力
	表面增强拉曼成像	灵敏度高, 可检测纳米级塑料	样品制备较为复杂	简化样品制备流程, 拓展其在复杂生物样品中的应用
	偏振光成像	直观观察微塑料在生物体内的分布	易受环境干扰	改进样品前处理方法, 提高检测的特异性
生物体组织透明化技术		可实现微塑料在生物体内的三维成像	可能改变组织结构	开发更温和的透明化方法, 减少对组织结构的影响

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