CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanoparticles causes Colitis-Like Symptom via Promoting Intestinal Barrier Damage and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Lead-based perovskite nanoparticles (Pb-PNPs) with superior optoelectronic properties are promising alternatives for the next generation of photovoltaics materials. This raises a great concern about their potential exposure toxicity in biological systems. However, little is known about their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract system so far. Here, the aim is to investigate the biodistribution, biotransformation, potential gastrointestinal tract toxicity, and effect on the gut microbiota after oral exposure to the CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles (CPB PNPs). The advanced synchrotron radiation based microscopic X-ray fluorescence scanning and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy demonstrate that high doses of CPB (CPB-H) PNPs can gradually transform into different lead-based compounds, subsequently accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon. Meanwhile, the pathological changes of stomach, small intestine, and colon reveal that CPB-H PNPs have higher gastrointestinal tract toxicity than Pb(Ac)(2), consequently leading to colitis-like symptoms. More importantly, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis discloses that CPB-H PNPs cause more significant alterations in the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota related to inflammation, intestinal barrier, and immune function than Pb(Ac)(2). The findings may contribute to shedding light on understanding the adverse effects on gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota of Pb-PNPs.

Automated summary

Lead-based perovskite nanoparticles (Pb-PNPs) have superior optoelectronic properties and are potential alternatives for photovoltaics materials. However, little is known about their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract system. This study investigates the biodistribution, biotransformation, potential gastrointestinal toxicity, and effect on gut microbiota after oral exposure to CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles (CPB PNPs). The results show that high doses of CPB PNPs can transform into different lead-based compounds and accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to colitis-like symptoms and significant alterations in the gut microbiota.