Interplay between different cytotoxic parameters in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) larvae fed with
P Mermer1, Ł Chajec1, G Wilczek1
1Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
Scientific Reports
|January 7, 2026
Summary
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (Insecta, Lepidoptera) larvae show potential for polypropylene (PP) plastic biodegradation. Studies found no cytotoxic effects in larvae consuming PP, suggesting their suitability for plastic waste management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Plastic waste poses a significant ecological threat, contaminating ecosystems and harming organisms.
- Biodegradation using organisms is a promising method for plastic waste disposal.
- The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is a potential candidate for plastic biodegradation, but its cytotoxic effects are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of polypropylene (PP) consumption in Galleria mellonella larvae.
- To assess the potential of G. mellonella for PP biodegradation.
Main Methods:
- Larvae were fed PP bags for 24 and 48 hours.
- Control and starved larvae were analyzed for comparison.
- Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to examine cell death, protein activation (caspase, Bcl-2), and mitochondrial changes.
Main Results:
- No significant cytotoxic effects were observed in G. mellonella larvae after consuming PP.
- Cell death processes, caspase and Bcl-2 protein activation, and mitochondrial alterations were assessed.
Conclusions:
- Galleria mellonella larvae do not exhibit cytotoxic responses to polypropylene (PP) ingestion.
- G. mellonella is a potential candidate for the biodegradation of PP plastic waste.
