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The Ingestion of Fluorescent, Magnetic Nanoparticles for Determining Fluid-uptake Abilities in Insects

Journal Article · · Journal of Visualized Experiments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3791/56619· OSTI ID:1433965
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [3];  [4]
  1. Kent State Univ. at Stark, North Canton, OH (United States)
  2. Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC (United States)
  3. Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States)
  4. Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Here, fluid-feeding insects ingest a variety of liquids, which are present in the environment as pools, films, or confined to small pores. Studies of liquid acquisition require assessing mouthpart structure and function relationships; however, fluid uptake mechanisms are historically inferred from observations of structural architecture, sometimes unaccompanied with experimental evidence. Here, we report a novel method for assessing fluid-uptake abilities with butterflies (Lepidoptera) and flies (Diptera) using small amounts of liquids. Insects are fed with a 20% sucrose solution mixed with fluorescent, magnetic nanoparticles from filter papers of specific pore sizes. The crop (internal structure used for storing fluids) is removed from the insect and placed on a confocal microscope. A magnet is waved by the crop to determine the presence of nanoparticles, which indicate if the insects are able to ingest fluids. This methodology is used to reveal a widespread feeding mechanism (capillary action and liquid bridge formation) that is potentially shared among Lepidoptera and Diptera when feeding from porous surfaces. In addition, this method can be used for studies of feeding mechanisms among a variety of fluid-feeding insects, including those important in disease transmission and biomimetics, and potentially other studies that involve nano- or micro-sized conduits where liquid transport requires verification.
Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0012704
OSTI ID:
1433965
Report Number(s):
BNL-203490-2018-JAAM
Journal Information:
Journal of Visualized Experiments, Journal Name: Journal of Visualized Experiments Journal Issue: 130; ISSN 1940-087X; ISSN JVEOA4
Publisher:
MyJoVE Corp.Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

The proboscis of eye-frequenting and piercing Lepidoptera (Insecta) journal July 1996
On the mechanics and energetics of nectar feeding in butterflies journal January 1979
Mouthpart separation does not impede butterfly feeding journal March 2014
Advances in Biological Structure, Function, and Physiology Using Synchrotron X-Ray Imaging journal March 2008
Real-time phase-contrast x-ray imaging: a new technique for the study of animal form and function journal March 2007

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE