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From Adaptation to Collapse: Immune Remodeling, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Cell Death Induced by Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Procambarus clarkii Hepatopancreas
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Scientists exposed crayfish to tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) at different doses and found that low levels caused mild stress responses, but higher levels overwhelmed the animals' cells, damaging DNA, disrupting immune function, and triggering cell death. This matters because it shows plastic pollution can build up in freshwater food chains and cause real biological harm—and since crayfish are a food source for humans and other animals, it raises questions about how nanoplastics accumulating in our environment might similarly stress human cells and organs.
Nanoplastic (NP) pollution threatens aquatic ecosystems, but concentration‑dependent molecular effects remain unclear. Using integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics, we exposed Procambarus clarkii to 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/L) for 28 days. Hepatopancreas analyses revealed a progressive shift from adaptive regulation at low doses to systemic dysfunction at high doses. At low concentrations, PS-NPs induced mild immune activation and ECM remodeling (upregulation of MUC17, ITGB1, CLEC17A). Medium-dose exposure triggered extensive transcriptomic and metabolic reprogramming, including DNA replication/repair activation (H2AX, MCM, PCNA), amino acid depletion, pro-inflammatory lipid accumulation, and elevated RIPK3 expression, indicative of necroptosis. High concentrations caused severe ECM disruption, immune dysregulation, DNA damage, and cell cycle alterations. Key genes (HSP90, CYCA, H2AX) and metabolites (vaccenic acid, L-isoleucine, 1-arachidonoylglycerol) were identified as potential biomarkers of PS-NP-induced stress. Overall, our findings revealed a concentration-dependent toxicological cascade and demonstrated the potential of crayfish as sentinel organisms for evaluating freshwater NP pollution. These results provided a molecular basis for environmental risk assessment and underscore the need to monitor NPs in freshwater ecosystems.
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Scientists exposed crayfish to nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles) for three weeks and found the plastics built up in their liver-like organ nearly 10-fold, while also causing oxidative stress, weakened immune function, and disrupted gut bacteria—all worsening the longer exposure lasted. Since crayfish and similar shellfish are commonly eaten, this raises questions about whether nanoplastic buildup in seafood could pose similar risks to people, though more research is needed to confirm effects in humans.
Toxic mechanisms of nanoplastics exposure at environmental concentrations on juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): From multiple perspectives
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Researchers exposed juvenile red swamp crayfish to nanoplastics at concentrations found in the environment and observed stunted growth, oxidative stress, liver and gill damage, and changes in gene activity. Different concentrations triggered different toxic pathways, including immune disruption and metabolic problems. Since crayfish are a widely consumed freshwater species, these findings raise concerns about nanoplastic contamination in the food supply.
The effect of a polystyrene nanoplastic on the intestinal microbes and oxidative stress defense of the freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
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Researchers tested the acute effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on freshwater crayfish and found that exposure altered the composition of intestinal bacteria and disrupted oxidative stress defenses. Higher concentrations of nanoplastics led to more severe changes in gut microbial diversity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastic pollution can harm the gut health and immune defenses of freshwater organisms.
Orally administered nano-polystyrene caused vitellogenin alteration and oxidative stress in the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
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Researchers orally dosed red swamp crayfish with 100 nm carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles and found mild but measurable stress responses including altered gene expression in immune function, oxidative stress pathways, lipid metabolism, and reproduction, suggesting nanoplastics can perturb molecular systems even at low concentrations without breaching physiological thresholds.
Accumulation of polyethylene microplastics induces oxidative stress, microbiome dysbiosis and immunoregulation in crayfish
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Researchers exposed crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) to polyethylene microplastics through their diet for 21 days and found that particles accumulated in the intestine, hepatopancreas, gills, and blood, persisting even after a week of depuration in clean water. The accumulated microplastics caused oxidative stress, disrupted the gut microbiome, and altered immune regulation. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may compromise the health and immune defenses of commercially important freshwater crustaceans.
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