Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure on the gut microbiota of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii)

Abstract

With the advancement of nanotechnology and the growing utilization of nanomaterials, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been released into aquatic environments, posing potential ecotoxicological risks to aquatic organisms. In this study, the toxicological effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles were investigated on the intestinal health of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). The pearl oysters were subjected to a 14-day exposure to 5-mg/L TiO₂ nanoparticle, followed by a 7-day recovery period. Subsequently, the intestinal tissues were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The results from LEfSe analysis revealed that TiO₂ nanoparticle increased the susceptibility of pearl oysters to potential pathogenic bacteria infections. Additionally, the TiO₂ nanoparticles led to alterations in the abundance of microbial communities in the gut of pearl oysters. Notable changes included a decrease in the relative abundance of Phaeobacter and Nautella, and an increase in the Actinobacteria, which could potentially impact the immune function of pearl oysters. The abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, as well as the expression of genes related to energy metabolism (AMPK, PK, SCS-1, SCS-2, SCS-3), were down-regulated, suggesting that TiO₂ nanoparticles exposure may affect the digestive and energy metabolic functions of pearl oysters. Furthermore, the short-term recovery of seven days did not fully restore these levels to normal. These findings provide crucial insights and serve as an important reference for understanding the toxic effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles on bivalves.