English: Microplastics measuring 0.5 μm penetrate into the cytoplasm of MH-22a hepatocyte cells. The cytoskeleton is labeled with green fluorescent phalloidin, the nucleus is stained with blue fluorescent DAPI, and cell fixation is achieved using orange formaldehyde.

This intriguing observation suggests the possibility of microplastic penetration into cells and its impact on cellular processes. However, further investigations are necessary to gain a more precise understanding of the effects and mechanisms associated with microplastic internalization into cells and its influence on the cytoskeleton and cellular structures.

Your observation visualizes the presence of microplastics within cells and their interaction with the cytoskeleton. Phalloidin, used for cytoskeletal staining, enables visualization of actin filaments, a major component of the cytoskeleton, in green fluorescence. DAPI staining of the nucleus in blue fluorescence aids in nucleus localization, while orange formaldehyde is employed for cell fixation and preservation of cellular structure.

Such observations hold significance for future research and contribute to a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on cells and organisms. This field represents an area of active investigation where additional studies are being conducted to comprehensively comprehend the implications of microplastic presence within cells and its potential effects on health and the environment.

English: The image shows microplastics with a diameter of 0.5 μm (small green spheres) penetrating the cytoplasm of MH-22a hepatocyte cells. ZEISS Axio Imager 2