Comparative effects of two different aluminium nanoparticle formulations on the histological and physiological aspects of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) as a model

Recycling aluminium, which is widely utilized in industries such as packaging, poses a significant challenge in selecting the most efficient method that retains its properties while minimizing environmental impact. This study investigates the potential adverse effects of aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 NPs) synthesized from disposable aluminium foil waste using two different recycling methods: conventional grinding (CG) and ball milling (BM). This study employs Drosophila melanogaster as a well‐established in vivo model organism to determine which recycling technique yields nanoparticles (NPs) that are less harmful to non‐targets. To assess this, a relevant concentration of each Al 2 O 3 NPs formulation were added into the food medium. Seven days post feeding, alterations of adult’s midgut were analyzed at physiological and ultrastructure levels. The results showed that Al 2 O 3 NPs had significant effects on digestive enzymes, regardless of how they are synthesized. In contrast to chitinase and protease, the activities of digestive enzymes such as lipase, phospholipase A 2 , and carboxypeptidase were significantly higher in flies exposed to Al 2 O 3 NPs synthesized by BM than those in fed on control food media or those supplemented with Al 2 O 3 NPs synthesized by CG. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed that both formulations of Al 2 O 3 NPs negatively impacted the midgut cells. However, the harmful effects were more pronounced in NPs synthesized by the BM method compared to those produced using the CG method. Where flies fed NPs synthesized by the BM method had indistinct peritrophic membranes, disrupted microvilli, and columnar and goblet cells with numerous vacuoles. Collectively, while the findings confirm the toxicity of Al 2 O 3 NPs to Drosophila, the synthesis method used to process aluminum and convert it into nanoparticle form plays a significant role in determining its potential hazards and should be carefully considered.