We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
In Vivo visualization of microplastic degradability and intestinal functional responses in a plastivore insect
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed near-infrared fluorescent microplastics to visualize real-time plastic degradation inside the gut of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor), a known plastic-eating insect. They found that smaller microplastics were digested and passed more quickly than larger ones, and that the larvae actively modulated reactive nitrogen species levels in response to microplastic biodegradation.
The plastivore insect Tenebrio molitor demonstrates significant potential for the rapid biodegradation and bioremediation of micro(nano)plastics. However, real-time visualization of the digestive degradation and removal of microplastics (MPs) during intestinal transit, along with the associated in vivo intestinal functional responses, remains challenging. Here, we developed second near-infrared (NIR-II) window aggregated-induced emission (AIE) MPs of two sizes (29.8 μm and 299.5 μm, respectively) to enable real-time monitoring of MPs removal in T. molitor larvae, and quantified the degradation kinetics. Our findings revealed that small MPs were digested and passed through the intestine more rapidly compared to large MPs, in strong contrast with patterns observed in organisms lacking plastic-degrading capacity. Digestive removal was more pronounced in the posterior than in the anterior midgut. A NIR-II peroxynitrite probe (NIR-ONOO-) was synthesized to investigate the intestinal functional responses to MPs biodegradation. Generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was extensive during feedstock digestion in the intestine. The larvae instinctively modulated the ONOO- levels and heterogeneously redistributed the ONOO- in response to MPs biodegradation, with a more pronounced effect observed in larvae fed large MPs. This work presents a robust trafficking technology for the dynamic and in vivo visualization of micro(nano)plastics removal and bioremediation in plastivore species.
More Papers Like This
Generation and Fate of Nanoplastics in the Intestine of Plastic-Degrading Insect (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) during Polystyrene Microplastic Biodegradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked what happens to nanoplastics inside mealworm larvae as they digest polystyrene microplastics. They found that nanoplastics were generated during digestion and initially accumulated in gut tissues and glands, but concentrations declined over four weeks and eventually fell below detection limits, suggesting the larvae and their gut microbes can work together to break down even these tiny plastic particles.
Microplastics Biofragmentation and Degradation Kinetics in the Plastivore Insect Tenebrio molitor
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic biofragmentation and degradation kinetics in the plastivore insect Tenebrio molitor, quantifying how gut passage changes plastic particle size distribution and chemical composition during biodegradation.
Quantifying microplastic ingestion, degradation and excretion in insects using fluorescent plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study used fluorescent tracking to quantify microplastic ingestion, gut transit, and excretion rates in insects, establishing a framework for assessing microplastic fate through invertebrate digestive systems. The approach provides an accessible model organism system for evaluating microplastic toxicity and trophic transfer.
Characterizing microplastic ingestion, transformation, and excretion in insects using fluorescent plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Using fluorescent microplastics as tracers, researchers showed that insects can ingest, transform through digestion, and excrete microplastic particles, demonstrating that insects are both exposed to and potential vectors for spreading microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.
The digestive system of a cricket pulverizes polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) fluorescent polyethylene microplastics at concentrations of 0-10% (w/w) and dissected gut regions to track particle size changes along the digestive tract. Crickets egested particles substantially smaller than those ingested, with fragmentation occurring early in digestion, suggesting generalist insects can transform ingested microplastics into nanoplastic-range particles.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.