A Near-infrared Persistent Luminescence Imaging Technique for Tracking Nanoparticles in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The development of nanotechnology has drawn increased attention to the risks of nanoparticles (NPs). In this work, the near-infrared persistent luminescence imaging technique was used to track the biodistribution of NPs in vivo in zebrafish. Zebrafish were used as a vertebrate animal model to show NPs distribution and the effects of exposure. ZnGa₂O₄:Cr (ZGOC) was chosen as the probe in this work. In continuous exposure experiments, the results showed more particles accumulated in the intestines than in the gills in both groups. In both the gills and abdomen, the NPs contents were greater in the ZGOC-NH₂-treated groups than in the ZGOC groups, and the NPs caused damage to the gills and intestines. Removal exposure experiments indicated that ZGOC and ZGOC-NH₂ could be excreted from the body. The metabolism, excretion of NPs, the quantification and monitoring of NPs behavior in biological systems should be examined in further studies.