5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  A new NIR-II fluorescent imaging method tracks microplastic movement in real time within biological systems.

• 2

  Researchers created fluorescent microplastic models from common plastics, allowing for deep-tissue imaging of irregularly shaped particles.

• 3

  Mouse experiments showed orally administered microplastics remained in the stomach before moving to the intestines and being excreted.

• 4

  Fluorescence was not detected in tissues outside the gastrointestinal tract, indicating minimal absorption beyond digestion.

• 5

  The study aims to clarify microplastic behavior in biological systems and support health risk assessments.