Size-dependent translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics across biological barriers in mammals.

ABSTRACT: Nanoplastics (NPs) pose health concerns worldwide. However, robust quantitative data on their absorption, distribution, and excretion in mammals remain scarce. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment of polystyrene (PS) NP biodistribution and elimination in rats using ¹⁴C-radiolabeling, the most accurate and quantitative method available. Pregnant rats were exposed to ¹⁴C-labeled 20 nm or 100 nm PS NPs (PS₂₀ or PS₁₀₀) via oral gavage, intratracheal aerosolization, or intravenous injection, and tissue distribution and excretion were determined by radioactivity measurements. We found that PS NPs were exclusively excreted through faeces, irrespective of the exposure routes, without urinary elimination. Both PS₂₀ and PS₁₀₀ c

SUBMITTER: Zhang HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855956 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature