We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Feeding and metabolism effects of three common microplastics on Tenebrio molitor L.
ClearIsolation of Plastic Digesting Microbes from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Tenebrio Molitor
Researchers isolated bacteria from the gut of Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae that are capable of degrading polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics. The identified gut microbes showed plastic-degrading enzymatic activity, suggesting potential for bioremediation applications.
Biodegradation of various grades of polyethylene microplastics by Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus larvae: Effects on their physiology
Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus) were fed different grades of polyethylene plastic to test their ability to biodegrade this common plastic. Both species could consume and partially break down all three types of polyethylene, though the process caused oxidative stress and shifted their gut bacteria. This research suggests biological degradation of plastic waste is possible, which could help reduce the environmental breakdown of plastics into harmful microplastics.
Biodegradation of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polylactic acid microplastics in Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physiological responses
Mealworms were fed three types of microplastics (PVC, polystyrene, and PLA) and successfully biodegraded all three, but with significant physiological costs including weight loss, reduced survival, and increased oxidative stress. PVC was the hardest to degrade and caused the most harm, while biodegradable PLA was the easiest and least damaging. The study shows that biological approaches to breaking down microplastics are possible but that certain plastic types generate toxic byproducts during the process.
Biodegradation of aged polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae)
Yellow mealworm larvae were able to consume and biodegrade both fresh and aged polyethylene film and polystyrene foam over a 35-day period. While aged plastics slightly slowed larval growth, the worms still broke down the plastic with help from their gut bacteria, confirmed by chemical analysis showing structural changes in the consumed plastic. This biological approach to plastic degradation could help reduce the amount of plastic waste that eventually breaks down into microplastics in the environment.
Mitigation of Soil Pollution by Biodegradation of Plastic Materials through Activity of Mealworms
This review examines how mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade plastics including polystyrene and polyethylene, and discusses their use in circular production systems. Insect-based plastic biodegradation represents a promising biological approach to reducing plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics in the environment.
Unveiling the residual plastics and produced toxicity during biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor)
Researchers used mealworms to biodegrade three common types of microplastics (polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC) and found that while the worms did break down the plastics, they also produced potentially toxic residual particles. PVC was the hardest to degrade and caused the most harm to the mealworms, with the lowest survival rate. This study shows that while biological degradation of microplastics is possible, it can generate new pollutants that need to be addressed.
Biodegradation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae
Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae were tested for their ability to biodegrade rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic powder. The larvae depolymerized and partially biodegraded PVC, extending earlier findings that mealworms can degrade polystyrene and polyethylene to a third major plastic polymer type.
Biodegradation of Different Types of Plastics by Tenebrio molitor Insect
This study reviewed the potential of mealworm beetle larvae (Tenebrio molitor) to biodegrade multiple plastic types through gut microbiota activity, finding that the larvae could break down various polymers including polystyrene and polyethylene, making entomoremediation a promising avenue for plastic waste reduction.
Biodegradation of Post-Consumer Expanded Polystyrene and Low-Density Polyethylene by Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Scientists found that mealworms (beetle larvae) can actually break down used plastic bags and foam containers by eating them and changing their chemical structure. The mealworms produce waste that contains smaller plastic pieces and chemical compounds, which could potentially reduce plastic pollution in the environment. This research is important because it shows a natural way to help deal with the massive amounts of plastic waste that currently pile up in landfills and oceans.
Generation and Fate of Nanoplastics in the Intestine of Plastic-Degrading Insect (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) during Polystyrene Microplastic Biodegradation
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.
Sourcing chitin from exoskeleton of Tenebrio molitor fed with polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap
Researchers sourced chitin from the exoskeletons of mealworm larvae fed diets containing polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap mixed with bran. The study found that while plastic-fed larvae produced heavier exoskeletons, no plastic residues were detected in the chitin, suggesting that mealworms can effectively degrade plastic waste while still yielding usable chitin.
Responses of gut microbiomes to commercial polyester polymer biodegradation in Tenebrio molitor Larvae
Researchers demonstrated that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can rapidly biodegrade commercial polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, with gut microbiome analysis revealing specific bacterial communities that shift in response to PET consumption and enable its breakdown.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
Researchers tested the ability of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and superworm (Zophobas morio) larvae to biodegrade polystyrene foam through feeding experiments with different dietary conditions. They found that both species could consume and break down polystyrene, with gut microorganisms playing a key role in the degradation process. The study suggests that insect-based biodegradation could offer a biological approach to addressing polystyrene waste in the environment.
Optimizing polystyrene degradation, microbial community and metabolite analysis of intestinal flora of yellow mealworms, Tenebrio molitor.
Yellow mealworm larvae fed only expanded polystyrene were found to biodegrade the plastic, with the efficiency depending on temperature and humidity conditions. The gut microbiome of the larvae played a key role, and researchers identified metabolic pathways involved in polystyrene breakdown, advancing understanding of insect-based plastic biodegradation.
Biodegradation of polyethylene, biodegradable-polyethylene bags and corn residues using Tenebrio molitor larvae
This Spanish-language study tested the ability of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) to biodegrade different types of polyethylene plastic, including conventional LDPE and biodegradable varieties. The larvae could degrade all plastic types tested, suggesting insect-based digestion as a viable plastic waste management strategy.
The interplay of larval age and particle size regulates micro-polystyrene biodegradation and development of Tenebrio molitor L.
Researchers found that three-month-old mealworm larvae are optimal for polystyrene microplastic biodegradation, showing the highest consumption rates and confirmed depolymerization in their frass, with comparable survival to control groups when co-fed with wheat bran.
Gut Microbiome and Degradation Product Formation during Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene by Mealworm Larvae under Different Feeding Strategies
Researchers found that mealworm larvae successfully degrade polystyrene under different feeding strategies, with gut microbiome composition and degradation byproduct profiles varying by diet, demonstrating that diet manipulation can optimize the biological plastic-degradation capacity of the mealworm system.
Molecular-Weight-Dependent Degradation of Plastics: Deciphering Host–Microbiome Synergy Biodegradation of High-Purity Polypropylene Microplastics by Mealworms
Researchers confirmed that mealworms can biodegrade polypropylene, one of the most common and persistent plastics, by working together with their gut bacteria. The study found that the worms could break down polypropylene across a range of molecular weights, though higher molecular weight plastics were harder to process. This biological degradation approach is promising for addressing microplastic pollution, as polypropylene is a major source of microplastics found in food, water, and human tissue.
Gut microbiome of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) show similar responses to polystyrene and corn straw diets
Researchers compared the gut microbiomes of mealworms fed polystyrene plastic versus corn straw and found strikingly similar microbial community responses to both diets. The findings suggest that the ability of mealworm larvae to break down plastics likely evolved from ancient biological mechanisms originally designed to digest natural plant fibers like lignocellulose. The study points to mealworm gut bacteria as a potential resource for developing biological plastic degradation strategies.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
Researchers examined the biodegradation of polystyrene by Tenebrionidae beetle larvae, testing the ability of plastic-eating mealworm larvae to break down the highly stable, hydrophobic polymer. The study characterized polymer molecular weight changes, gut microbiome contributions, and metabolic byproducts, demonstrating that larval gut bacteria play a key role in PS depolymerization.
The Digestive Master of the Insect World: The Digestive System and Application Value of Mealworms
This review examines the digestive system of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), highlighting their remarkable capacity to break down complex substrates including plastics and lignocellulosic materials, and discusses the microbial mechanisms and potential biotechnological applications of their digestive capabilities for waste degradation.
Possibilities for discriminating between Tenebrio molitor larvae fed with plastic and conventional substrates
Researchers investigated whether measurement methods could distinguish between Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae fed plastic substrates versus conventional diets, testing larvae on flour-carrot, polystyrene foam, and mixed diets. The study sought to identify industrially viable detection approaches to verify plastic biodegradation by larvae and their gut microbiota, supporting their potential use in plastic waste management.
Influence of Polymer Size on Polystyrene Biodegradation in Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor): Responses of Depolymerization Pattern, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolome to Polymers with Low to Ultrahigh Molecular Weight
Mealworms fed polystyrene microplastics of varying molecular weights (low to ultrahigh) over 24 days showed significant differences in biodegradation rate, gut microbiome composition, and metabolic profiles. Lower molecular weight polystyrene was biodegraded more efficiently, suggesting that polymer molecular weight is a key factor in insect-mediated plastic degradation.
Polyurethane Foam Residue Biodegradation through Tenebrio molitor Digestive Tract. Microbial Communities and Enzymatic Activity Involvement
Researchers found that mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade polyurethane foam by 35% within 17 days through gut microbial communities and digestive enzymes, offering a promising biological pathway for breaking down a plastic type that is otherwise extremely difficult to recycle.