New Method Enables Precise Detection of Nanoplastics in Body

Nanoplastic particles, with diameters under 0.001 millimeters, can penetrate body tissue and accumulate in organs. Because they are difficult to detect precisely, research into the health impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) has remained challenging. A new approach now enables the reliable tracking of these particles from ingestion to the cellular level, providing the first detailed insights into their behavior within the body.

The new method, developed by researchers from MedUni Vienna (Vienna, Austria) and the University of Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany; www.uni-hamburg.de), as well as collaborators, combines three analytical techniques. These include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for quantification, X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) for localizing particles in tissue, and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) for mapping distribution at the cellular level. By labeling nanoplastics with palladium, the team enabled detailed tracking of their fate in the body.

Mouse models were tested under three exposure conditions: single short-term intake, medium-term exposure over ten days, and long-term exposure over five weeks. The findings, published in Nature Communications Biology, showed that most particles are excreted quickly after one intake, but prolonged exposure led to accumulation in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. In mice with impaired intestinal barriers or altered intestinal movement, excretion slowed, increasing tissue uptake.

The new method provides both quantitative and spatial analyses of nanoplastics, overcoming limitations of earlier approaches. This allows researchers to more accurately investigate potential health risks linked to chronic exposure. The technique can help clarify how these particles interact with biological systems, laying the groundwork for future studies on long-term health effects and possible preventive measures.

“The significance of our study lies less in these biological observations themselves than in the development of a methodological approach that combines quantitative and spatial analyses for the first time,” said Lukas Kenner, Clinical Department of Pathology, MedUni Vienna.