Tenebrio Molitor Research Articles

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal replacing dietary fishmeal alters the intestinal microbiota, anti-oxidation and immunity of large yellow croaker (Larimichthyscrocea).

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal replacing dietary fishmeal alters the intestinal microbiota, anti-oxidation and immunity of large yellow croaker (Larimichthyscrocea).

Inclusion of chitosan in Tenebrio molitor larva protein hydrogels improved the rheological and gel properties of the composite hydrogels.

Inclusion of chitosan in Tenebrio molitor larva protein hydrogels improved the rheological and gel properties of the composite hydrogels.

Microplastics from cigarette filters: Comparative effects on selected terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

Microplastics from cigarette filters: Comparative effects on selected terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

Physicochemical fermentation characteristics and changes in antioxidant activity of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) during fermentation with lactic acid bacteria: Application and selection of commercial lactic acid bacteria starters

Physicochemical fermentation characteristics and changes in antioxidant activity of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) during fermentation with lactic acid bacteria: Application and selection of commercial lactic acid bacteria starters

The effects of tread rubber and road dust particles on stress, immunity and digestive biomarkers in the larvae of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor.

The effects of tread rubber and road dust particles on stress, immunity and digestive biomarkers in the larvae of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor.

Effects of ultrasound-induced structural modifications on the emulsifying properties of Tenebrio molitor proteins.

Effects of ultrasound-induced structural modifications on the emulsifying properties of Tenebrio molitor proteins.

Tenebrio molitor proteins and peptides: Cutting-edge insights into bioactivity and expanded food applications

Tenebrio molitor proteins and peptides: Cutting-edge insights into bioactivity and expanded food applications

Effect of supplemented diet on the kinetic profile of polystyrene biodegradation by Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physical, chemical, thermal, wettability and zeta potential measurements

Effect of supplemented diet on the kinetic profile of polystyrene biodegradation by Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physical, chemical, thermal, wettability and zeta potential measurements

Plastic-Degrading Insects for Micro and Nanoplastic Recycling: How Far Are We?

Plastic degradation by insects, particularly Tenebrionidae, has garnered significant attention in the waste management community. The degradation process relies on the synergistic interaction between host-derived enzymes and gut microbiota. Despite promising findings, this review paper highlighted three critical challenges hindering their practical application: The environmental risks associated with byproduct formation, insufficient mechanistic understanding of insect-mediated plastic degradation and multifaceted challenges surrounding the upscaling of the process for realistic plastic waste management. First, while nanoplastics (NPs) are metabolized by insect glands and guts, microplastics (MPs) accumulate in frass, constituting residual management challenges. The metabolic fate of plastic additives, including enzymatic transformation, tissue distribution and multigenerational effects, also remains unclear. Additionally, the long-term ecotoxicological risks to insects are poorly understood; larvae fed on plastic-rich diets are unsuitable for food chains but could be repurposed for industrial applications. Second, mechanistic gaps remain regarding the roles of gut fungi, microbial interactions and the digestive system in the plastic degradation processes. The evolutionary adaptation of insects to degrade natural polymers, as seen in Tenebrio molitor, provides implications for filling these mechanistic gaps. Finally, recognizing that large-scale insect rearing for plastic waste management is not technologically ready, we suggest current and future research should prioritize screening key degradation microbes or enzymes to develop efficient ex vivo treatment systems. This review provides a foundation for future research and technological innovations in insect biodegradation for sustainable plastic waste management.

Bugbook: Basic information and good practices on how to maintain stock populations for Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens for research

Abstract The information on the production and reproduction of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens is essential for researchers pursuing a career in insect farming for food, feed and non-food applications. Rather than requiring researchers to sift through numerous studies to develop effective rearing protocols to maintain a stock population for experimental purposes, the authors summarized insights from peer-reviewed research, while expanding it with their collective experience in rearing these species in both laboratory and pilot-scale settings. A similar approach was applied to both species, beginning with a detailed overview of their life cycle, which is used as a framework for various maintenance procedures. Followed by a description of the environmental conditions in which each species should be held and the minimal infrastructure needed to rear them. Feed recommendations are provided, along with good practices for each stage of the lifecycle, including egg production, instar rearing, and adult handling. The final section addresses potential risks and hazards associated with insect rearing. This includes concerns about the allergenicity of particles produced during rearing, as well as the possibility of contamination, disease outbreaks, or pest infestations. The risks associated with maintaining different insect strains, including cross-contamination and the potential for genetic drift or inbreeding depression, are also discussed.

Toxicity assessment of Bacillus thuringiensis strains for the control of the lesser mealworm beetle Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Toxicity assessment of Bacillus thuringiensis strains for the control of the lesser mealworm beetle Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Comparative Research of the Developmental Stages of Tenebrio molitor L.

This study focuses on the developmental stages of Tenebrio molitor L., namely the larvae, pupae, and adult stages when fed oats and carrots. The goal is to examine the influence of nutrition on growth rates, survival, and general development, focusing on the insect's potential as a sustainable protein source and its contribution to food security and the circular economy through the use of agricultural waste. We carefully observed the insects for 131 days, during which they went through a 94-day larval phase, 19 days of pupation, and an 18-day adult stage. During this time, we diligently tracked their morphological changes and growth parameters. The study found that larvae fed a mix of oats and carrots had faster development and greater survival rates. These findings underline the importance of food choices on T. molitor's developmental efficiency. The study supports the idea that T. molitor can be a feasible alternative for sustainable protein production, contributing to food security and encouraging agricultural waste recycling for insect farming, which aligns with the ideals of a circular economy.

Tolerance and degradation of the insecticide pirimiphos-methyl and its metabolites by black soldier fly and yellow mealworm larvae

Abstract Insect farming is gaining increasing attention because of the ability of insects to upscale a variety of waste and by-product biomass efficiently into proteins and lipids. In the European Union and in Norway, the use of insects is permitted in formulated pig, poultry, and fish feeds and more recently for human consumption. However, the European Food Safety Authority has highlighted the lack of data regarding the safety of processing pesticide-contaminated biomass by insects into feed or food products. Secondly, the presence of insecticide residues in plant biomass might negatively affect the growth or survival of the insects themselves. This study aimed to evaluate the fate of the insecticide pirimiphos-methyl (PM) in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMW) larvae composting. PM is a dominant pesticide found in relevant insect biomasses. Newly hatched larvae were fed on a standard poultry feed substrate spiked with pirimiphos-methyl at different concentrations: 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg (wet base), under optimal breeding conditions. Poultry feed substrate spiked with methanol served as control group. When the feeding media were spiked with 20 and 40 mg/kg of PM, the survival of both BSF and YMW larvae decreased. Mean larvae mass for both species was reduced with increasing concentrations of PM. PM and 7 compounds were identified in a metabolites/transformation product screen that was aided by in silico predictions. One compound, dihydroxy-PM was uniquely detected in larvae. Neither insect species appears to accumulate PM metabolites, and 90% of PM was metabolised. Results indicate that these insects can be reared on PM-contaminated biomass without risk of PM accumulation.

Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Pentamidine and Auranofin Against Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris.

Candida auris is a significant clinical concern due to its ability to cause outbreaks in healthcare settings and its common resistance to current treatments. This highlights the need for alternative therapies. Drug repurposing offers a promising approach, and the combination of pentamidine (antiprotozoal) and auranofin (anti-rheumatic) has shown potential antifungal activity against Candida species, including C. auris. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of pentamidine and auranofin, both individually and in combination, against C. auris. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined following CLSI guidelines, and drug interactions were assessed using the checkerboard microdilution method. Additional evaluations included growth inhibition, antibiofilm activity, cell damage, sorbitol protection, and efflux pump inhibition. Nucleotide leakage and cell membrane permeability were analyzed using biochemical assays. In vivo efficacy was tested using a Tenebrio molitor larvae model infected with C. auris. The MICs of pentamidine against C. auris ranged from 16 to 128μg/mL, showing fungicidal activity. The combination with auranofin had a synergistic effect (FICI: 0.37) and exhibited a fungistatic effect in growth inhibition assays. Auranofin was most effective at inhibiting biofilm formation. Pentamidine impaired mitochondrial function, leading to cellular respiration issues and membrane damage. Efflux pump assays indicated activation by both drugs, potentially influencing resistance. In vivo tests showed both drugs significantly improved survival rates in infected larvae compared to fluconazole. In conclusion, pentamidine and auranofin, either individually or in combination, are promising treatments for C. auris and warrant further research into optimal dosing and combination strategies.

Mycotoxins-contaminated wheat matrices bioconversion by Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Tenebrio molitor is proposed for the valorization of mycotoxins-contaminated substrates no longer usable for other purposes. Larvae were reared on three different wheat matrices (wholegrain flour, shorts and bran) contaminated with different levels of mycotoxins. Nine diets (3 matrices × 3 contamination levels) were assessed. Larval development time, average daily gain (ADG), substrate consumption, survival rate, and the capacity of T. molitor to accumulate and excrete different mycotoxins, through exuviae and frass, were evaluated. Larval development time, ADG, survival rate and substrate consumption were not negatively affected by the mycotoxins, but only by the rearing matrix, depending on the nutritive value. The ability of larvae to excrete DON and its derivatives through exuviae and frass was observed. Within each matrix, DON contamination in larvae increased significantly moving from poorly to highly contaminated ones. Overall, the ratio between the modified form (deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside) and the native one (DON), increased from 7%, in the raw materials, to 101% in the larvae, highlighting their ability to modify this mycotoxin and accumulate it in their body. Larvae accumulated also nivalenol, zearalenone, and enniatins showing a higher concentration in larvae reared on substrates with high level of contamination, while moniliformin was never found in larvae. Overall, the levels of mycotoxins recorded in larvae was always below the current legal limits for livestock feed, thanks to their ability to excrete them through exuviae and frass. These interesting data open new scenarios on the valorization of mycotoxin-contaminated matrices, not suitable for other livestock farming, by means of insects.

Mealworm hydrolysate ameliorates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy via sirtuin 1-mediated signaling and Akt pathway

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength can result from various factors, including malnutrition, glucocorticoid usage, and diseases. The mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae) is an edible insect gaining popularity as an alternative protein-rich diet. Mealworms are expected to help alleviate muscle atrophy based on their rich, high-quality protein and peptide content, but it remains unclear whether mealworms ameliorate muscle loss. This study aimed to investigate the potential of mealworm hydrolysate (MH) in mitigating dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MH ameliorates muscle atrophy by activating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Akt, reducing muscle-specific RING finger protein-1 and atrogin-1 expression, and inhibiting apoptosis in DEX-treated C2C12 cells. Additionally, MH significantly increased the muscle mass, grip strength, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area by activating SIRT1 and Akt in DEX-treated rats. These findings suggest that MH has the potential in alleviating dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy.

Enhanced Antioxidant Properties of Saccharomyces-Fermented Defatted Tenebrio molitor Larvae Extract: A Sustainable Alternative Protein Source

The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using defatted Tenebrio molitor larvae proteins as substrates in microbial fermentation, targeting the development of high-value products to combat age-related health issues. Amid increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-dense food sources, this study investigates the potential of extracts from Tenebrio molitor larvae as functional bioactive materials. Specifically, it compares the biological antioxidant activities of defatted Tenebrio molitor larvae extracts before (SMNFE) and after (SMFE) fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Defatting removes lipids, while fermentation enhances the extract’s bioactivity. Biochemical analyses showed that SMFE had significantly higher total polyphenol (36.04 ± 1.04 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoid (12.69 ± 0.76 μg QE/mg) contents—over three times those of SMNFE. In addition, SMFE exhibited superior radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and electron-donating ability. The total amino acid content also increased by about 18% post-fermentation, with all measured amino acids except arginine showing elevated concentrations. These enhancements demonstrate the effectiveness of yeast fermentation in improving the nutritional and functional properties of insect-derived materials. The findings support the application of fermented insect extracts in medical foods and functional cosmetics, offering a promising direction for future bioconversion technologies.

Low drying temperature has negligible impact but defatting increases in vitro rumen digestibility of insect meals, with minor changes on fatty acid biohydrogenation

BackgroundInsect meals have been identified as innovative and sustainable feedstuffs that could be used in ruminant nutrition. However, current research on the effects that their processing may have on rumen digestibility and fatty acid (FA) biohydrogenation is scant. This trial aims to investigate the effects (i) of drying temperature of full-fat Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) meals, and (ii) of residual ether extract (EE) content of defatted HI and TM meals, on their fermentation characteristics and FA of rumen digesta after 24-h in vitro rumen incubation.MethodsThe tested full-fat meals included four HI and four TM meals obtained applying drying temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 70 °C, while the tested defatted meals consisted of five HI and two TM meals containing a residual EE content ranging from 4.7 to 19.7 g EE/100 g dry matter (DM). The applied statistical models (GLM ANOVA) tested the effects of insect species, drying temperature (full-fat meals) or EE content (defatted meals), and their interaction.ResultsDrying temperature had minor effects on in vitro ruminal digestibility and FA profile of rumen digesta. Irrespective of insect species, increasing the drying temperature led to a reduction of in vitro degradation of proteins from insect meals, as outlined by the significant decrease in ammonia production (−0.009 mmol/g DM and −0.126 g/100 g total N for each additional 1 °C). Irrespective of insect species, defatting increased total gas, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and CH4 productions, and the proportions of total saturated and branched-chain FA in rumen digesta (+0.038 mmol/g DM, +0.063 mmol/g DM, +12.9 µmol/g DM, +0.18 g/100 g FA, and +0.19 g/100 g FA for each reduced 1 g EE/100 g DM, respectively), and reduced the proportion of total PUFA (−0.12 g/100 g FA).ConclusionsThe applied drying temperatures of full-fat insect meals are too low to exert impactful effects on rumen digestibility and FA biohydrogenation. Fat lowered fermentation activity, probably because of an inhibitory effect on rumen microbiota. The increased ruminal digestibility of defatted insect meals suggests that they can be more suitable to be used in ruminant nutrition than full-fat ones.

Volatile compound profiling and quality insights of edible insect oils analysed by headspace-solid-phase microextraction-Arrow-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract Lipids are usually removed during protein extraction from edible insects. The use of these lipids as oils may be environmentally friendly. In this study, the Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology was employed to optimise the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of insect oils (Tenebrio molitor, Gryllus bimaculatus, Locusta migratoria, and Zophobas atratus oils). Volatile compounds were analysed using the headspace solid-phase microextraction Arrow method, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compared with Soxhlet extraction, the optimised UAE process improved the extraction yields of the four insect oils (), and lower acid values and peroxide values were observed. According to the extraction method, the fatty acid compositions among the oils were similar, and L. migratoria oil had a high α-linolenic acid content and lower arteriosclerosis and thrombosis indices, making it beneficial for human consumption. Pyrazine compounds contributing to a roasted aroma were detected in T. molitor oil, which showed high extraction yields and polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratios. These findings can contribute to exploring the potential applications of edible insect oil in various food products and enhancing its utilization in the food industry.

Effects of Short-Term Feeding with Diets Containing Insect Meal on the Gut Microbiota of African Catfish Hybrids.

The impact of short-term feeding of three distinct diets containing insect meals on the intestinal microbiota of African catfish hybrid (Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis) juveniles was examined. The animals received experimental diets containing 30% insect meals derived from black soldier-fly larvae (BSL) (Hermetia illucens), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) or blue bottle-fly larvae (Calliphora vicina) for 18 days. The relative abundance of the Bacillaceae, the Planococcaceae and other bacteria significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the intestinal microbiota of the BSL group and also in the pooled group of the three catfish groups that received insect meals. Several strains of the Bacillales cultured from BSL feed had higher (p < 0.05) abundance in the intestinal microbiota of the BSL group compared to those of the control group. Among these Bacillales strains, a single fosB antibiotic resistance gene was identified. In the gut resistomes of both the BSL and the control catfish groups, the tetA(P), tetB(P) and lnu(C) antibiotic-resistance determinants were detected, while fosB was detected only in the BSL group. Overall, the study showed that a short-term shift to diets containing insect meals can induce significant (q < 0.05) changes in the gut microbiota of the African catfish without the development of reduced α-diversity and without the overgrowth of bacteria pathogenic to fish.