Effects of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) on Galleria mellonella Hemocytes

Abstract

In this study, we examined the harmful effects of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) on the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). For this aim, G. mellonella larvae were administered Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) at concentrations of 0.4, 2, 10, 50, and 250 µg/10 µl. Subsequently, the impact of these concentrations on total hemocyte counts (THCs) and various hemocyte indices, namely viable, mitotic, apoptotic, necrotic, and micronucleated cells, was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Compared to the control group, G. mellonella larvae exposed to Fe₃O₄ NPs at concentrations of 10, 50, and 250 µg/10 µl exhibited a statistically significant reduction in THCs. Additionally, in these experimental groups exposed to different concentrations of Fe₃O₄ NPs, the percentage of viable cells significantly decreased, while the percentage of apoptotic cells increased in comparison to the control group. Likewise, the percentage of necrotic hemocytes was significantly higher in the larvae exposed to 50 and 250 µg/10 µl Fe₃O₄ NPs than that in the control group. Furthermore, the frequency of micronucleated hemocytes was significantly elevated at Fe₃O₄ NP doses of 10 and 50 µg/10 µl when compared to the control group.