Light tunes the social behavior of honeybee via gut microbiota with MXene

Honeybees are essential pollinators with complex social behaviors and serve as a model for neurobiological research. It is noticed that regulating gut microbiota is a novel method to modulate host behavior through the gut-brain axis. Among various modulation strategies, light offers advanced advantages due to its precise temporal and spatial control. This study leverages the photosensitive properties of nanomaterial MXene to modulate honeybee gut microbiota via light control, impacting neural functions and behavior. Light exposure increases Snodgrassella abundance, gut immune gene expression, and inhibitory neurotransmitters like histamine. Subsequently, the expression of brain genes related to olfactory function is reduced, decreasing social interactions. MXene treatment similarly boosts Snodgrassella and gut immune genes, inhibiting brain genes related to neurite outgrowth and reducing locomotion and social behavior. However, combined light and MXene treatment increases levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter serotonin and enhances social interactions. This study offers insights into gut-brain axis modulation by physics approach and its effects on honeybee health.