Impact of Naturally Contaminated Substrates on Alphitobius diaperinus and Hermetia illucens: Uptake and Excretion of Mycotoxins.

Giulia Leni,Natasja Gianotten,Stefaan Depraetere,Martina Cirlini,Stefano Sforza,Chiara Dall’Asta,Johan Jacobs

doi:10.3390/toxins11080476

Abstract

Insects are considered a suitable alternative feed for livestock production and their use is nowadays regulated in the European Union by the European Commission Regulation No. 893/2017. Insects have the ability to grow on a different spectrum of substrates, which could be naturally contaminated by mycotoxins. In the present work, the mycotoxin uptake and/or excretion in two different insect species, Alphitobius diaperinus (Lesser Mealworm, LM) and Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF), grown on naturally contaminated substrates, was evaluated. Among all the substrates of growth tested, the Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin 1 and 2 (FB1 and FB2) and zearalenone (ZEN) were found in those based on wheat and/or corn. No mycotoxins were detected in BSF larvae, while quantifiable amount of DON and FB1 were found in LM larvae, although in lower concentration than those detected in the growing substrates and in the residual fractions. Mass balance calculations indicated that BSF and LM metabolized mycotoxins in forms not yet known, accumulating them in their body or excreting in the faeces. Further studies are required in this direction due to the future employment of insects as feedstuff.

Highlights

Given the large growth of the World population expected in the coming years, it has been estimated that the demand for food will raise of about the 60% in 2050 [1]
Key Contribution: This study demonstrates that Alphitobius diaperinus and Hermetia illucens; two common edible insects; reared on naturally contaminated substrates; did not accumulate DON; FBs and ZEN in their body; but seemed to metabolize them in forms not yet known; excreting them in the faeces by the hydrolysis of masked forms
The present study reported on the possible uptake and/or excretion of mycotoxins in two insect species, Lesser Mealworm (LM) and Black Soldier Fly (BSF), reared on naturally contaminated substrates

Summary

Introduction

Given the large growth of the World population expected in the coming years, it has been estimated that the demand for food will raise of about the 60% in 2050 [1]. The meat production represents the field with the most impact, with serious consequences on the demand of feed supply. Edible insects have been proposed as a promising alternative nutrient source due to the high content and quality of their macronutrients [4]. They have a well-balanced nutrient profile, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids which meet the requirement for humans and livestock, rich in micronutrients and vitamins [5].

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Conclusion