A Comprehensive Review on Zebrafish and Zebrafish Embryonic Stem Cells (Zescs) as the Versatile Biotechnological Green Tool for Detecting Environmental Pollutants

Abstract

This article discusses the embryonic development of zebrafish, which are essential aquatic models for investigating neurotoxicity caused by environmental toxins. Zebrafish are one of the few fish species that can survive in highly toxic environments, making them an interesting model for assessing pollutants' performance and determining their toxicity. Zebrafish's limited life expectancy, ease of maintenance and growth, transparent embryos, and homology of genetic and biological features make them an interesting tool for studying the effects of common substances like insecticides, nanoparticles, and food supplements on human health. The study focuses on the regulation of morphology and behavior, stress caused by oxidative damage, transcription, neurogenesis, and neuron progression. Further research is needed at cellular and signaling levels to understand the detrimental processes of pollutants in relation to epigenetic toxicity, negative interference of the BB barrier, and manipulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis. Environmental pollution is a significant issue that poses a severe threat to public health. Biotechnological principles are now being widely used to monitor environmental pollutants due to their versatile applications. In this regard, zebrafish has established as a prominent vertebrate prototype organism, which offers a unique platform for toxicity screening and efficacy testing of various chemicals. Studies have shown that exposure to toxicants during embryonic development can cause developmental, cardiovascular, and neurodevelopmental toxicity, as well as hepatic disorders in zebrafish. Therefore, zebrafish has been extensively used to study the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants, including pesticides, nanoparticles, food additives, and other pollutants. Additionally, the review discusses the use of zebrafish-derived embryonic stem cells (ZESCs) for environmental pollutants monitoring. Stem cells are highly sensitive to the toxicity of environmental chemicals during embryogenesis, which can lead to adverse effects on embryonic and fetal development. Thus, ZESCs cultivation and utilization in toxicological assays have become a valuable tool for evaluating the toxicity of potential environmental toxicants. The application of green science principles to evaluate the toxicity of environmental pollutants using zebrafish and ZESCs has enormous potential. This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to monitor pollutants, and it can contribute to the development of effective mitigation strategies. Overall, the use of zebrafish and ZESCs in biotechnological pollutants monitoring could have far-reaching effects for public health and environmental sustainability.