Jute Nanocrystalline Cellulose Relieves Polystyrene Nanoplastic-Induced Acute Injuries by Modulating Gut Microbiota...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is a versatile biomaterial used in drug delivery.
• Nanoplastic toxicity and its mitigation are emerging environmental concerns.
• The role of NCC in addressing nanoplastic toxicity is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of jute-derived NCC (JNCC) in mitigating nanoplastic toxicity in honey bees.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying JNCC's protective effects, focusing on gut microbiota and metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Honey bee survival assays, histopathological examination, and transmission electron microscopy.
• Apoptosis detection and metabolomic analysis.
• Gut microbiota profiling and colonization experiments with *Gilliamella apicola*.

Main Results:

• Polystyrene nanoplastics (nano-PS) induced size-dependent cytotoxicity and autophagy-apoptosis in honey bees.
• JNCC treatment enriched *Gilliamella apicola*, restored lipid metabolism, and attenuated gut and tracheal injuries.
• JNCC upregulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, increasing protective metabolites like GP-NPEA.

Conclusions:

• Jute-derived NCC mitigates nanoplastic toxicity by modulating the microbiota-metabolite network in honey bees.
• JNCC demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent against environmental pollutant exposure.