Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
06:47
Toxicity Study of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Cell Culture and in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: September 19, 2019
11.3K
Graphene oxide toxicity in W1118 flies
Qing Guo1, Ying Yang1, Lin Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 18, 2021
Summary
Graphene oxide (GO) exposure caused fruit flies to lose weight, develop slower, move less, and have shorter lives. GO toxicity stems from gut damage and oxidative stress, impacting nutrient absorption.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) production and applications are rapidly increasing.
- Understanding GO's biosafety is crucial but lags behind its widespread use.
- Potential risks of novel nanomaterials to ecosystems require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of graphene oxide (GO) in a model organism at low concentrations.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of GO-induced toxicity in fruit flies.
- To provide a reference for assessing the ecological risks of emerging nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized *Drosophila melanogaster* (fruit flies, W1118 strain) as a model organism.
- Assessed physiological effects including weight, development, mobility, and lifespan.
- Examined midgut integrity, nutrient absorption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- GO exposure resulted in significant weight loss, delayed development, reduced mobility, and shortened lifespan in fruit flies.
- No significant impact was observed on sex ratio or total pupae/adult numbers.
- GO toxicity was linked to compromised nutrient absorption due to severe midgut damage, caused by excessive ROS accumulation and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Graphene oxide exhibits significant toxicity in fruit flies, primarily affecting physiological functions and lifespan.
- The mechanism of GO toxicity involves midgut damage, impaired nutrient absorption, and oxidative stress.
- These findings highlight the need for careful risk assessment of graphene oxide and similar nanomaterials in environmental contexts.
