Abstract: 【Aim】 This study aims to investigate the effects of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on the lifespan and development of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor mutant (Rye) Drosophila melanogaster. 【Methods】 Three treatment groups of Rye D. melanogaster were established for ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticle exposure, with the concentrations set at 200, 400 and 600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄, respectively, the adult longevity of Rye D. melanogaster was monitored, and the flies of the F₁ generation were collected and their development status was recorded. Simultaneously, the oxidative stress levels of parental Rye D. melanogster adults were detected. 【Results】 ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticle exposure shortened the adult longevity of Rye D. melanogaster, accelerated the pupation of the F₁ generation, decreased the number of the eclosed adults of the F₁ generation, and increased the female-to-male ratio of the F₁ generation. After exposure to 400 and 600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, the female adult longevity was shortened by 9% and 24%, respectively, while the male adult longevity was shortened by 7% and 31%, respectively, as compared to that in the control group without ZnFe₂O₄. For the F₁ generation, the pupation rates in the first 3 d under 200-600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticle exposure increased by 34%-109%, as compared to that in the control group. Exposure to 400 and 600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles made the number of the eclosed female adults reduced by 33% and 53%, respectively, the number of the eclosed male adults reduced by 21% and 59%, respectively, and the female-to-male ratio risen by 40% and 71%, respectively, compared to the control group. Analysis of oxidative stress levels of parental Rye D. melanogaster revealed that under 200-600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticle exposure, oxidative damage was triggered, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the total antioxidant capacities (T-AOC) in female and male adults were significantly increased, and significant ROS accumulation was found in male adults of Rye D. melanogaster.【Conclusion】 Exposure to 200-600 μg/mL ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles can elicit oxidative stress response, shorten adult longevity, reduce the number of offspring and lead to oxidative damage, particularly affecting male adults of Rye D. melanogaster. This study enriches the understanding of the responding mechanisms of insects to zinc ferrite nanomaterials, providing a reference for the rational evaluation of the effects of zinc ferrite nanomaterials on insects.

Key words: Drosophila melanogaster, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor mutant, nanoparticles, ZnFe₂O₄, development, oxidative stress