Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Methods to Test Endocrine Disruption in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: July 3, 2019
Intake of polyamide microplastics affects the behavior and metabolism of Drosophila
Lichao Zhong1, Hui Jin1, Hao Tang1
1College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
Abstract:
In this study, the effects of polyamide (PA) microplastics on Drosophila were studied by analysing their effects on feeding, fecundity, metabolism and spontaneous activity, using Drosophila as a model organism. In the 0.1 g/L and 1 g/L groups, there was an increase in the amount of food consumed by female Drosophila melanogaster and a decrease in the amount of food consumed by males in both the 0.1 g/L and 20 g/L groups. In the TG assay, males showed a significant decrease in the 10 g/L and 20 g/L groups. The male group showed a significant decrease in protein content in the 10 g/L and 20 g/L groups. Glucose content decreased in the female Drosophila 1g/L and 10 g/L groups. The highest concentration group of 20 g/L showed a decrease in glucose content in male Drosophila. Only the male Drosophila in the highest concentration group showed increased daytime activity. Egg production by females decreased significantly after feeding microplastic food. The above assays demonstrate the potential effects of PA microplastics on flies, where the consumption of food containing microplastics leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, thus affecting the nutritional metabolism of flies.
Insights
Polyamide (PA) microplastics impact Drosophila feeding, metabolism, and reproduction. Exposure led to altered food consumption, decreased protein and glucose levels, and reduced egg production in flies, suggesting physiological disruption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Entomology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern.
- Understanding the biological impacts of microplastics is crucial for ecological risk assessment.
- Polyamide (PA) microplastics are prevalent and their effects on terrestrial invertebrates are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and behavioral effects of polyamide (PA) microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster.
- To assess the impact of PA microplastics on feeding behavior, fecundity, metabolic profiles, and spontaneous activity.
Main Methods:
- Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of PA microplastics (0.1 g/L to 20 g/L).
- Feeding consumption, fecundity (egg production), metabolic assays (protein and glucose content), and spontaneous activity were measured.
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant differences between control and exposed groups.
Main Results:
- Altered feeding patterns observed: increased consumption in females, decreased in males at specific concentrations.
- Significant reduction in male triglyceride content at 10 g/L and 20 g/L.
- Decreased protein content in males and glucose content in females at higher PA microplastic concentrations.
- Increased daytime activity noted in males at the highest concentration (20 g/L).
- Female fecundity significantly decreased with PA microplastic exposure.
Conclusions:
- Polyamide microplastics exert significant physiological and behavioral effects on Drosophila melanogaster.
- Exposure leads to metabolic disturbances, including altered nutrient levels and reduced reproductive capacity.
- Observed effects suggest PA microplastics induce oxidative stress and inflammation, impacting overall fly health.
