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Microplastic-Induced Gut Microbiome–Immune Crosstalk in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Multi-Omics Insights and Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in farmed Nile tilapia, describing how microplastics disrupt gut bacteria balance, trigger inflammation and damage in the intestine and liver, and affect young fish more than adults. It also covers possible warning signs (biomarkers) and studies that tested probiotics and biochar against these effects.
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread pollutants in freshwater aquaculture systems, entering through the degradation of pond linings and nets, contaminated aquafeeds, agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) an omnivorous and intensively farmed fish, is heavily exposed to MPs however, the interaction between MPs, gut microbiota and mucosal immunity in this species has not been comprehensively assessed. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on the sources, uptake and accumulation of MPs and on how MP exposure causes gut dysbiosis, characterized by decreased alpha diversity, increased abundance of Proteobacteria and reduced levels of beneficial Firmicutes and Fusobacteria, which may affect short chain fatty acid biosynthesis. We then examine how dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction are linked to activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/Keap1 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and to oxidative and histopathological damage in the intestine and liver. Special attention is given to age dependent susceptibility, as juvenile fish show dysregulated inflammatory genes under conditions in which no effects are observed in adults. Candidate molecular, biochemical, hematological and non-invasive mucus-based biomarkers are discussed alongside the feasibility of multi omics approaches (metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) for resolving host microbiota environment interactions. Mitigation strategies, including multi species probiotics, algal supplements, engineered biochar, feed management and biodegradable materials, are also evaluated. Key knowledge gaps remain in chronic low dose exposure, mixture effects, nanoplastics, reversibility of dysbiosis and methodological standardization. Addressing these gaps will be essential for developing resilient and sustainable tilapia aquaculture.
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Researchers fed Nile tilapia a diet containing a mixture of four common microplastics and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses in both adult and juvenile fish. The microplastics activated immune pathways and caused tissue changes in the gut and other organs, with juveniles being more sensitive. Since tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in the world, these findings raise concerns about the safety of farm-raised fish exposed to microplastic-contaminated water.
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in fish intestines and disrupt their gut bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation, immune problems, and metabolic diseases. The disrupted gut microbiome can weaken the intestinal barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the fish's body. Since fish are a major protein source for billions of people, understanding how microplastics damage fish gut health is important for assessing risks to human food safety.
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Researchers found that supplementing tilapia feed with probiotics or vitamin C significantly mitigated microplastic-induced organ damage, reducing liver necrosis and inflammation markers while improving intestinal structure and immune cytokine balance.
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Researchers tested whether multi-species probiotics could counteract the toxic effects of polyamide microplastics in Nile tilapia over a six-week experiment. The study found that probiotic supplementation alleviated microplastic-induced stress by improving growth performance, immune response, and physiological health markers, suggesting that probiotics may be a sustainable strategy for protecting farmed fish from microplastic contamination.
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