The effects of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) on some biological aspects of galleria mellonella l. (lepidoptera: pyralidae)

Abstract

In this study, 18-38 nm-sized and spherical-shaped nanopowder Fe3O4 NPs concentrations (0.4, 2, 10, 50, 250 µg/10 µl) was force-fed to sixth instar (180 ± 20 mg) Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae under laboratory conditions. The effects of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) on the pupal and adult developmental times, pupal and adult weights and adult longevity of G. mellonella were recorded. Results showed that treating G. mellonella with 250 μg/10 µl Fe3O4 NPs significantly increased pupal weights. Additionally, while adult developmental time increased post 250 μg/10 µl Fe3O4 NPs treatment, it was observed that pupal developmental time, pupal and adult weights, and adult longevity were not statistically significantly different when compared to the control.