Interplay between different cytotoxic parameters in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) larvae fed with polypropylene

Plastic waste, which pollutes water and soil and negatively impacts organisms, is currently a major ecological problem. Therefore, methods for its degradation are being sought, including biodegradation using various organisms to dispose of plastics. One invertebrate animal suspected of being used in plastic biodegradation is Galleria mellonella (Insecta, Lepidoptera). However, there is no data on whether plastics ingested by this insect’s larvae will induce cytotoxic effects in cells, tissues, or organs, which would exclude this species from biodegradation. The aim of this study was to determine whether G. mellonella larvae, after consuming a popular plastic, polypropylene (PP), activate specific cytotoxic parameters. Larvae of the studied species were fed PP bags for 24 and 48 h. Control (G0-C) and starved (G0-S) individuals were also analyzed to determine whether cytotoxic effects could be attributed to factors such as a lack of normal food. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were changes, employed to investigate cell death processes, caspase and Bcl-2 protein activation, and mitochondrial alterations. The results of our studies suggest that G. mellonella may be considered as a potential candidate used in the biodegradation of PP.