We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
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.
The insect Tenebrio molitor possesses an exceptional capacity for ultrafast plastic biodegradation within 1 day of gut retention, but the kinetics remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the biofragmentation and degradation kinetics of different microplastics (MPs), i.e., polyethylene (PE), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), in T. molitor larvae. The intestinal reactions contributing to the in vivo MPs biodegradation were concurrently examined by utilizing aggregated-induced emission (AIE) probes. Our findings revealed that the intestinal biofragmentation rates essentially followed the order of PLA > PE > PVC. Notably, all MPs displayed retention effects in the intestine, with PVC requiring the longest duration for complete removal/digestion. The dynamic rate constant of degradable MPs (0.2108 h-1 for PLA) was significantly higher than that of persistent MPs (0.0675 and 0.0501 h-1 for PE and PVC, respectively) during the digestive gut retention. Surprisingly,T. molitor larvae instinctively modulated their internal digestive environment in response to in vivo biodegradation of various MP polymers. Esterase activity and intestinal acidification both significantly increased following MPs ingestion. The highest esterase and acidification levels were observed in the PLA-fed and PVC-fed larvae, respectively. High digestive esterase activity and relatively low acidification levels inT. molitor larvae may, to some extent, contribute to more efficient MPs removal within the plastic-degrading insect. This work provided important understanding of MPs biofragmentation and intestinal responses to in vivo MPs biodegradation in plastic-degrading insects.
More Papers Like This
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.
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.
Overlooked role of peristalsis-driven gut fragmentation of microplastics by plastivore Tenebrio molitor larvae
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the role of gut peristalsis in microplastic degradation by the mealworm Tenebrio molitor, finding that intestinal mechanical fragmentation is essential for both propelling and breaking down ingested plastic. When peristalsis was inhibited, microplastic removal efficiency dropped sharply, revealing a key physical mechanism underlying plastivore biodegradation.
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.
Ingestion and egestion dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics in black soldier fly larvae
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the ingestion and egestion dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics in black soldier fly larvae, examining how these insects process plastic particles and their potential role in plastic breakdown.
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.