Slime molds response to carbon nanotubes exposure: from internalization to behavior

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer attractive opportunities due to their physical, electrical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties. They are used in a wide range of applications found numerous consumer products. On the downside, increasing presence environment poses potential threats living organisms ecosystems. The aim this study was evaluate toxicity double-walled carbon (DWCNTs) on new model system: acellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum. Despite its ecological significance, simplicity organization, behavioral complexity, exposure such nanoparticles has been poorly investigated. Slime molds were exposed DWCNTs using three routes (topical, food, environment). We first demonstrated that rapidly internalized by especially when mixed with food or spread out environment. Secondly, we showed 6-week did not lead bioaccumulation nor it persistence they entered resting stage. Thirdly, revealed 2 days following exposure, almost entirely excreted from molds. Lastly, uncovered altered migration speed, pseudopods formation, expansion rate Our results extend our current knowledge CNTs cytotoxicity introduce P. polycephalum as an ideal organism for nanotoxicology.