Exposure to nanoplastics induces the elevation of Zn levels in cells as visualized by a Golgi apparatus-targetable ratiometric fluorescent nanosensor.

Nanoplastics are prevalent in the environment and emerging evidence suggests they can induce organ injury by activating oxidative stress. Given that both nanoplastics and Zn levels are intertwined with oxidative stress, it is crucial to investigate the influence of nanoplastics on the level of labile Zn and get a better understanding of their cytotoxicity mechanisms. At the organelle level, the Golgi apparatus plays an active role in stress responses.