Yellow Mealworm Tenebrio Molitor Research Articles

Defatted Tenebrio molitor meal time-dependently altered sensory quality and nutritional value of turbot Scophthalmus maximus during growing-out phase

The yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (TM) is promising feed ingredient for aquafeed. However, consumers might reject insect-fed fish unless they know their quality. Nevertheless, reports on how TM influences fish quality were rare and yielded conflicting results; furthermore, there are no evaluations on quality of turbot Scophthalmus maximus fed TM. Therefore, turbot with an initial body weight of 150 g were fed six experimental feeds containing increasing levels of defatted TM to replace fishmeal for 85 days. The substitution levels were 0% (control), 15% (TM15), 22 30% (TM30), 45% (TM45), 60% (TM60), and 75% (TM75). The result showed TM replacing up to 45% of fishmeal did not negatively impact growth performance or fillet yield. Dietary TM optimized the health value of muscle fatty acids regarding thrombogenicity index, atherogenicity index, and hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids ratio but linearly decreased the muscle contents of hydroxyproline, collagen, and n-3 PUFA. However, turbot fed TM15 maintained the contents of these nutrients compared with those fed the control diet. The naked eye cannot perceive skin color changes induced by TM; but the odor, flavor, and texture of cooked fillets changed by TM at both sampling times could be distinguished by sensory evaluation. Furthermore, texture analyzer reported that the hardness of raw fillets significantly decreased by the end of the experiment but not on the 56th day. Correlation analysis revealed that the fillet was softened due to the muscle water content increase and muscle ultrastructure (lengths of H band, bright band, dark band, sarcomere) alternation. In conclusion, there were time-dependent effects of TM on turbot growth performance and fillet texture. Substitution of fishmeal with TM at 15% or less level did not influence the nutritional quality, but TM at any dose softened the fillet, which could be attributed to its influence on moisture content and myofibrillar structure.

Differences in ingestion and biodegradation of the melamine formaldehyde plastic by yellow mealworms Tenebrio molitor and superworms Zophobas atratus, and the prediction of functional gut microbes

Plastics biodegradation by insect larvae is considered as a new strategy for plastic wastes treatment. To uncover the biodegradation of a more complex chemical polymer of melamine formaldehyde (MF) by insect larvae, two worm species of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor and superworm Zophobas atratus were fed on MF foam as sole diet for 45 days with sole bran diet as control. Although the MF foam consumption by yellow mealworms of 0.38 mg/d/g-larvae was almost 40% higher than that by superworms of 0.28 mg/d/g-larvae, a similar decrease of survival rates in both species were obtained at about 58%, indicating the adverse effects on their growth. Depolymerization and biodegradation of MF foam occurred in both larval guts, but was more extensive in yellow mealworms. MF foam sole diet influenced gut bacterial and fungal microbiomes of both larvae species, which were assessed by Illumina MiSeq on day 45. Compared to the bran-fed group, both gut bacterial and fungal communities significantly changed in MF-fed groups, but differed in the two larvae species. The results demonstrated a strong association between the distinctive gut microbiome and MF foam degradation, such as unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Hyphopichia and Issatchenkia. However, sole MF foam diet negatively influenced worms, like lower survival rates and gut abnormalities. In summary, MF foam could be degraded by both yellow mealworms and superworms, albeit with adverse effects. Gut microbes were strongly associated to MF foam degradation, especially the gut fungi.

Evaluation of alternative substrates for rearing the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (L)

Larvae of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor is commonly used as feed for pets and food for humans due to its rich nutrient contents. The beetle breeds prolifically and are reared in close proximity with their diet; known as substrates. However, the most commonly used substrate, wheat bran, is expensive making the rearing out of reach to many, especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the suitability of six other potential substrates; wheat flour, maize flour, Lucerne pellets, dog food, soya four and oats in comparison to wheat bran in order to explore a cost-effective alternative rearing substrate for mealworms. To achieve this, the mealworms were reared in a climate-controlled chamber and the total numbers, weight and the fecundity were determined for each substrate. Wheat bran and wheat flour produced the most mealworms, had the highest fecundity with wheat bran, Lucerne pellets an oat producing heavier worms than all other substrates. Maize flour, wheat flour and Lucerne, were found to be the most cost-effective alternative substrates for rearing mealworms with the cost per gram at 0.07, 0.05 and 0.04 US$ respectively. Both wheat flour and maize flour are easily accessible, have a long self-life thus ideal for both large-and small-scale production.Graphical

Effects of defatted yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance, intestine, and liver health of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor is an emerging feed ingredient with several key advantages. However, research on the T. molitor as a fishmeal substitute reported discrepancies in feasibility in different fish species, with a particular need for T. molitor products to be widely evaluated. In this research, an eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of T. molitor on turbot Scophthalmus maximus mainly from the perspective of growth performance and health status of the intestine and liver. Turbot with an initial weight of approximately 150 g were randomly assigned six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets, including fishmeal-based control diet or diets with gradually increasing level of defatted T. molitor meal (TM) to replace 15 % (TM15), 30 %, 45 %, 60 % and 75 % of fishmeal compared to the control diet. Weight gain of turbot increased significantly at the 30 % replacement level (P < 0.05). However, TM in 45 %, 60 % and 75 % of fishmeal replacement level impaired overall growth performance. There was no obvious impairment in the assayed levels of TM towards the intestine from the view of structure, activities of brush border enzymes, antioxidant conditions, or immunity of proximal, middle and distal segments. However, the amount of goblet cells was significantly decreased by TM (P < 0.05). Similarly, TM in the assayed levels did not induce any negative effects on the antioxidant and immune status of the liver. But TM45, TM60 and TM75 diets induced weight loss in the liver and smaller hepatocytes, accompanied by a decrease of liver lipid content as well as decreases in levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in plasma. In conclusion, the optimal dietary level of TM for turbot was 24.5 %, corresponding to a 30 % substitution of fishmeal from the control group. Dietary TM can improve the antioxidant and immune function of the intestine and liver, but excess TM will disturb lipid metabolisms.

Changes in antioxidant enzymes and locomotor activity of yellow mealworm larvae fed the mycotoxin zearalenone supplemented diet

The larvae of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor represent a new sustainable source of protein and nutrients for animal and human nutrition. To ensure safe insect-based foods, the risks of mycotoxins and other chemicals must be elucidated. Since oxidative stress is known to underlie many mycotoxin-induced disorders, the present work investigates the effects of the mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) on the responses of some oxidative stress biomarkers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the whole body of mealworm, as well as the effects on larval survival, body weight, and locomotor activity, and some aspects of mycotoxin accumulation. Larvae were fed artificially contaminated wheat bran containing approximately 0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg ZEA for two weeks. The results of the current study showed that ZEA-contaminated wheat bran at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg was correlated with increased SOD, CAT, and GST enzyme activities and decreased locomotor activity. Higher concentrations of ZEA, i.e., 2 and 5 mg/kg caused enzymes and locomotor activity to return to control levels. The presence of ZEA in the diet for two weeks did not affect survival but resulted in lower weight gain in T. molitor larvae. The concentration of ZEA in the residual material was 21.1–37.6%, while in the larvae it accounted for 0.38–0.51% of the mycotoxin in the feed. The selected concentrations were in accordance with the EU limits for the presence of ZEA in food and with the levels found in naturally contaminated cereals. Our results suggest that ZEA at the tested concentration induces physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes in larvae that could potentially serve as early markers of mycotoxin contamination.

Nutrient Composition and Growth of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) at Different Ages and Stages of the Life Cycle

The nutrient composition of yellow mealworm (YM) Tenebrio molitor varies based on the stages of the life cycle, the rearing conditions, and the feeding substrate. This study monitored the growth of yellow mealworm larvae at 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age, separating samples into large-sized and small-sized insects. During the experiment, we measured the nutrient composition: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fibre, chitin, crude ash, and nitrogen free extract (NFE) of YM at different age groups and sizes. We measured the nutrient composition of the pre-moult, moult, cuticle, and pupae as well. The results show that there is no significant difference between the compositions of the different age groups, but larger-sized individuals had a higher DM and crude fibre and lower chitin and NFE than the smaller sizes. The pre-moult and moult stages showed no significant difference in nutrient composition. Although the cuticle had a high DM (97.5%), that did not cause any significant difference between the DM of the moult and pre-moult, because it is only a negligible part of the total wet weight. With the increased DM, the crude protein content and the chitin content, fibre, ash content, and NFE increased, while the fat content decreased. The DM, CF, and chitin contents of pupae are significantly lower than those of the pre-moult and moult stages. Our results show that it is the size and not the age that has a positive effect on the nutrient composition of YM.

Different performances in polyethylene or polystyrene plastics long-term feeding and biodegradation by Zophobas atratus and Tenebrio molitor larvae, and core gut bacterial- and fungal-microbiome responses

The biodegradation of plastics by insect larvae is considered as an emerging strategy for the resistant plastic wastes disposal. To uncover the correlation of insect larval gut-microbiome with plastics biodegradation, two worm species including superworm Zophobas atratus and yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor were fed with either polyethylene (PE) or polystyrene (PS) foam as sole diet for a longer period of 45 days, sole bran diet was used as control. Rapid declines of survival rates and plastic ingestions after 30 days were observed, suggesting that long-term sole plastic diet was detrimental to growth and life cycle completion in both larval species. Both PE and PS plastics were found more extensively depolymerized and biodegraded in gut of yellow mealworms than that of superworms by GPC analysis. The larval gut bacterial- and fungal-microbiomes at day 45 were assessed by Illumina MiSeq. The results showed that both gut bacterial and fungal communities shifted upon sole plastic diet ingestion compared to the control. Gut bacterial communities were similar in PS-fed groups but significantly different in PE-fed groups between both species. In contrast, gut fungal communities were clustered by species in general, although they were similar between PE- and PS-fed yellow mealworms but were more divergent between PS- and PE-fed superworms. Analysis of the changes of relative abundances of dominant bacterial and fungal genera demonstrated the strong association between the distinctive gut microbiome and plastic degradation. For instance, Spiroplasma and Rhodotorula for PE degradation, Cryptococcus for PS degradation in mealworms. Issatchenkia for both PS and PE degradation, Pseudomonas for PS degradation in superworms. In conclusion, changes of both gut bacterial- and fungal-microbiomes diversities were associated with plastic feedstock types and larval species, especially fungal microbiomes were strongly associated with larval species.

Determining the Effect of Different Reproduction Factors on the Yield and Hatching of Tenebrio Molitor Eggs.

Simple SummaryThis study investigated the effect of various factors on the reproduction of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor. More specifically, the effect of (1) the use of a grid, (2) oviposition duration, (3) age of the beetles and (4) beetle density were examined. For these parameters, it was investigated how they influence the number of eggs laid per beetle as well as the egg hatching rate and time. All these factors had a clear impact on the number of eggs. The results of this study will help producers to optimize their breeding method in order to obtain higher yields.Whereas the production of conventional livestock can rely on years of knowledge and experience, the mealworm production industry is still in its early stages. Although the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor has been cultivated as feed for pets and zoo animals for quite some time, the optimization of the reproduction process has not been widely explored. For reproduction, beetles are placed in crates supplemented with a substrate to oviposit their eggs. After a specified time, the beetles are removed, and the eggs are further cultivated to develop into larvae. Factors such as oviposition duration and beetle density influence the number of produced mealworms per beetle, partly due to the cannibalistic behavior of the beetles. However, reproductive success has mostly been assessed by determining the number of offspring several weeks after oviposition. As a result, the number of eggs laid and their hatch rates are unknown. In this research, eggs are separated from the oviposition substrate, i.e., harvested. This approach allows to determine the influence of beetle density, oviposition duration, beetle age and the use of a grid during oviposition on the number of eggs produced and the egg hatching rate and timing thereof. In addition, the influence of the harvesting method on the hatching of T. molitor′s eggs was determined.

Characterization and expression profiling of serine protease inhibitors in the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor.

Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) act in diverse biological processes in insects such as immunity, development, and digestion by preventing the unwanted proteolysis. So far, the repertoire of genes encoding SPIs has been identified from few insect species. In this study, 62 SPI genes were identified from the genome of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor. According to their modes of action, they were classified into three families, serpin (26), canonical SPI (31), and α-macroglobulins (A2M) (5). These SPIs feature eight domains including serpin, Kazal, TIL, Kunitz, WAP, Antistasin, pacifastin, and A2M. In total, 39 SPIs contain a single SPI domain, while the others encode at least two inhibitor units. Based on the amino acids in the cleaved reactive sites, the abilities of these SPIs to inhibit trypsin, chymotrypsin, or elastase-like enzymes are predicted. The expression profiling based on the RNA-seq data showed that these genes displayed stage-specific expression patterns during development, suggesting to us their significance in development. Some of the SPI genes were exclusively expressed in particular tissues such as hemocyte, fat body, gut, ovary, and testis, which may be involved in biological processes specific to the indicated tissues. These findings provide necessary information for further investigation of insect SPIs.

Comparative production and economic indicators of traditional and alternative animal protein production systems: broiler chickens, mealworm and silkworm

Relevance. A significant number of new projects have been implemented in the last decade in the segment of alternative protein sources used as feed or food ingredients. New ventures receive significant investments from the largest global companies and foundations, that believe insect protein has the highest potential of all other sources of protein. In addition to the main reasons for the usage of alternative proteins, which are demographics and climate changes, other reasons include higher nutritional value and sustainability, smaller ecological footprint, more profitable industrial production in comparison to animal husbandry and aquaculture. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance and economic indicators of the most efficient traditional production system for obtaining animal protein, which is poultry farming (in particular, the production of poultry meat breeds of broilers, Gallus gallus) with yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), that is cultivated in the EU mainly to obtain a high-protein ingredient used as an alternative to fishmeal in animal feed and aquaculture, and silkworm (Bombyx mori) which is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, but hardly considered in the Russian Federation, US, and EU as an alternative source of animal protein.Methods. Collection and analysis of public data: information presented in research papers, recommendations from scientific organizations, available commercial information and news publications that help identify data for comparative analysis of production systems. The research methodology is based on a theoretical approach using methods of analysis, induction, deduction, comparison, generalization, and synthesis.Results. Bombyx mori can be viewed as a preferred alternative to traditional protein sources based on a combination of performance and economic indicators such as productive efficiency, production yield per 1 m2 the of feeding area, number of production cycles per year. According to these indicators, it is comparable or superior to Broiler chicken.

118. Use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a protein source on growth performance, and carcass traits in growing lambs

118. Use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a protein source on growth performance, and carcass traits in growing lambs

Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth, feed utilization and flesh quality of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea fed with different levels of dietary yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor meal

An 80-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary vitamin E and replacement levels of dietary fish meal (FM) by yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (TM) meal on growth, feed utilization and flesh quality of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea (initial body weight: 189.20 ± 0.16 g). Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets from a two factorial design of 3 × 2 were formulated with three replacement levels of dietary FM by TM (15%, 30% and 45%, respectively) and two levels of vitamin E (150 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), respectively. The results showed that the growth and feed utilization of large yellow croaker were significantly decreased at 45% replacement level of dietary FM by TM (P < 0.05). Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved the growth and feed utilization, and increased the content of crude protein, vitamin E and ∑n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids in the flesh at higher dietary replacement level (>30%) of FM by TM (P < 0.05). Yellowness (b*) in the dorsal, caudal and ventral skin were found to be significantly increased with the increasing dietary vitamin E supplementation (P < 0.05). Protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde, and fiber density significantly decreased at 500 mg/kg of dietary vitamin E, while hardness, gumminess, chewiness and the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, catalase in flesh significantly increased (P < 0.05). The transcript levels of MyoD and myf5 were significantly affected by dietary vitamin E levels (P < 0.05). The present study indicated that 30% of dietary replacement level of FM by TM was practicable in large yellow croaker feed. Meanwhile, dietary vitamin E supplementation improved the flesh quality of large yellow croaker.

Lipid fingerprinting of yellow mealwormTenebrio molitor by untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Insects such asTenebrio molitor have been considered an alternative source of nutrition for animals and have also been adopted as human food throughout history, especially in Asia and Africa. Lipids are the second most abundant component followed by proteins. However, studies focusing on comprehensive lipid composition analsysis of these widely reared species are limited. The untargeted lipidomic analysis of yellow mealworm larvae (T. molitor) led to the identification of several lipid molecular species from lipid classes such as: free fatty acids, sphingolipids, phospholipids, and triacylglycerols. The results revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (45%) are the most abundant fatty acids, followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (42%) and saturated fatty acids (13%). Fatty acids such as FA 18:1 and FA 18:2 are the most abundant fatty acids and are substantially enriched in other complex lipids in the form of esters. Moreover, functional lipids such as sphingomyelins, ceramides, cardiolipins, phosphatidylinositols, and phosphatidylethanolamines were characterised for the first time, with a large number of MUFAs and PUFAs as their main acyl chains. Overall, our data showed the occurrence of multiple structurally diverse lipids inT. molitor, suggesting that mealworms are not only enriched with proteins but also have several functional lipids, which are highly beneficial to human and animal health. Thus, the larvae ofT. molitor could serve as a promising candidate for the development of functional food and feed products.

Exploitation of Tenebrio molitor larvae as biological factories for human probiotics, an exploratory study

Abstract The exploitation of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae for the bioaugmentation of probiotic Bacillus clausii strains was evaluated during a 7-day rearing period. qPCR was applied to evaluate the persistence and growth of B. clausii in the rearing substrate and larvae (washed and non-washed). Moreover, the effect of freeze-drying of larvae on B. clausii viability was evaluated. The results demonstrated the suitability of yellow mealworm as biological factories for the multiplication of B. clausii through a simple and inexpensive procedure, in view of the further application of larvae as foods and food ingredients. In more detail, an increase in the load of B. clausii was observed during the 7-day rearing of larvae fed wheat middlings spiked with 1 Log cells g−1. Further research is needed to evaluate the most suitable technologies and processing parameters for obtaining yellow mealworm-based ingredients with a stable and active population of probiotic B. clausii.

The effect of yellow mealworm larvae meal supplementation in broiler diets on meat quality

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal supplementation in chicken diets on the chemical composition and sensory quality of meat. The experiment was conducted on 120 Ross 308 male broilers from day 12 to day 38 of their age. Broilers were divided into three equal groups with 5 replicates per treatment. The two experimental groups received feed mixtures containing 2% (TM2; n = 40) and 5% (TM5; n = 40), respectively of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) meal. The third group (TM0; n = 40) was control, receiving 0% of mealworms in diet. The addition of mealworm meal to diets in this trial do not worsen the chemical composition or sensory characteristics of the thigh meat of broilers. The control chickens had a higher live weight (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the experimental groups at the end of the trial. The lowest live weight and feed intake was determined in group TM2 (P &lt; 0.05). The highest feed intake (P &lt; 0.05) was found in the control group. The breast meat from the control group was rated better (P &lt; 0.05) in flavour compared to the groups receiving 2% and 5% of yellow mealworms. The primary requirement for the use of any ingredient in feed is that it does not adversely affect food safety and quality. In our study, the inclusion of 2% and 5% mealworm meal in the broiler’s diet had no influence on meat quality.

Efficacy of New Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.), from Sinai Peninsula against Yellow Mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under Laboratory Conditions.

Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from soil samples collected from North and South Sinai governorates, by the use of Galleria bait method (GBT). The isolates were identified using the conventional methods. The virulence of nine entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae isolates (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 and M9)were tested against Tenebrio molitre L. Results proved that (M1) was more effective against larvae compared with all other isolates. the highest concentration of 1×108 spores/g revealed 71,56,47,31,37,52,41,46 and 64% mortality percentage for M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 M7, M8, and M9, respectively at tenth day after treatment.

Distribution of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin during experimental feeding of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

Within the European Union (EU), edible insects need to be approved as “Novel Food” according to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and must comply with the requirements of European food law with regard to microbiological and chemical food safety. Substrates used for feeding insects are susceptible to the growth of Fusarium spp. and consequently to contamination with trichothecene mycotoxins. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the influence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins on the larval life cycle of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor (L.)) and to study the transfer of T-2, HT-2, T-2 triol and T-2 tetraol in the larvae. In a 4-week feeding study, T. molitor larvae were kept either on naturally (oat flakes moulded with Fusarium sporotrichioides) or artificially contaminated oat flakes, each at two levels (approximately 100 and 250 μg/kg total T-2 and HT-2). Weight gain and survival rates were monitored, and mycotoxins in the feeding substrates, larvae and residues were determined using LC-MS/MS. Larval development varied between the diets and was 44% higher for larvae fed artificially contaminated diets. However, the artificially contaminated diets had a 16% lower survival rate. No trichothecenes were detected in the surviving larvae after harvest, but T-2 and HT-2 were found both in the dead larvae and in the residues of naturally and artificially contaminated diets.

Recycling of spent mushroom substrate: Utilization as feed material for the larvae of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Spent mushroom substrate is made from the waste remaining after the harvest of mushrooms. Here, we evaluated the potential of five spent edible fungi (Auricularia cornea, Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, P. citrinopileatus and P. ostreatus) substrates as feed sources for Tenebrio molitor larvae. Young larvae did not survive on any substrate except the spent L. edodes substrate (36.7%). The survival rates in young larvae were similar among the different diets in which wheat bran or rice bran was replaced with 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60% spent L. edodes substrate. The weights of the surviving larvae were decreased only when 70% of wheat bran and > 40% of rice bran was replaced with spent L. edodes substrate. In addition, the middle-aged larvae fed wheat bran only were significantly larger than those fed diets with 30~60% spent L. edodes substrate in dry feed, but the larvae of all treatments failed to pupate. Whereas the green feed was added in dry feed, there were no significant differences in pupal weight, pupation rate, pupal duration, adult emergence, or deformed adults among the three treatments in middle-aged larvae that were fed on diets containing 0, 30, or 40% spent L. edodes substrate. Collectively, these results suggest that spent L. edodes substrate has considerable potential to be used as a partial replacement (< 40%) of conventional feed for T. molitor, and spent mushroom substrate waste may be recycled as feed material for resource insects.

Биосинтез и секреция сериновой пептидазы SerP38 Tenebrio molitor в дрожжах Komagataella kurtzmanii

A strain of the Komagataella kurtzmanii yeast, a producer of recombinant peptidase SerP38 from the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor, has been obtained. The level of the pro-enzyme secretion was 20-50 mg/L. It was shown that, during secretion in yeast, the target His6-tagged protein was produced in two forms. One of them was a monomer that was efficiently purified by Ni-NTA chromatography and then activated with trypsin. Another form accumulated in the culture medium as oligomers prone to aggregation in the presence of Ni2+ ions and was not activated by trypsin treatment. Aggregation is likely the result of incorrect folding of the polypeptide chain. Tenebrio molitor, S1 family serine peptidase, SerP38, yeast, Komagataella kurtzmanii, ion-dependent aggregation

Replacing Fish Meal with Defatted Insect Meal (Yellow Mealworm Tenebrio molitor) Improves the Growth and Immunity of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Simple SummaryGlobally, Pacific white shrimp is one of the most commonly commercialized marine species in aquaculture. In recent years, the commercial production of this shrimp has experienced major challenges, including the availability and cost of fish meal—the main protein source of commercial shrimp—as well as frequent outbreaks of early mortality syndrome (EMS) among shrimp stock. In the present study, we investigated whether substituting fish meal with a defatted yellow mealworm meal could overcome these challenges. Our results from a series of feeding trials show that it is possible to partially or completely replace fish meal with this insect meal in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. The insect meal improved growth and feed conversion performances of shrimp; optimum performances were achieved at 50% of fish meal replacement. Furthermore, shrimp that were fed the insect meal and then challenged with the pathogenic bacteria that cause EMS (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) had significantly improved survival rates and reduced immunosuppression. We conclude that an insect meal comprised of Tenebrio molitor mealworm, is a suitable alternative to fish meal in the commercial production of shrimp because of the meal’s high protein value and the presence of chitin/other bioactive substances that counter pathogen infection.Recently, ecological and economic issues have affected fish meal (FM) supply, the main source of protein for shrimp. This triggered a search for alternative dietary protein sources for shrimp production. We studied the consequences of replacing FM with a defatted insect meal, ŸnMealTM (YM), comprised of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Growth and immune parameters of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannanmei) were compared after an eight-week feeding trial. Shrimp were kept in aquaria with densities of 60 and 40 shrimp/m2 and fed one of five diets in which a proportion of FM was replaced by YM. All diets were isoproteic, isoenergetic, and balanced in lysine and methionine. After the feeding trial, shrimp were challenged with pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus). Growth and feed conversion parameters improved when YM was included in shrimp diets; with the highest weight gain and best food conversion ratio (FCR) achieved when 50% of FM was replaced by YM versus the control diet that contained no YM (initial weight: 1.60 g/shrimp; growth: 5.27 vs. 3.94 g/shrimp; FCR 1.20 vs. 1.59). In challenged shrimp, mortality rates were significantly less among groups that received YM, with a 76.9% lower mortality rate in the 50% FM replacement group versus the control.