Search Results (147)

Beyond their role as fishmeal replacements in aquafeeds, insects may enhance fish resistance to microbial diseases and improve feed shelf life through the presence of antibacterial compounds. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts from silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori, BM), larval meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and superworm (Zophobas morio, ZM), and adults of house cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD), two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus, GB) and weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina, OS). The extracts were tested against ten Gram-negative marine bacterial pathogens associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks, as well as the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and solvent-soluble extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assays, turbidimetric growth kinetics, and MTT metabolic assays. Several insect extracts exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity. In particular, the aqueous extracts of BM and GB, the methanolic extract of HI, and the isopropanolic extracts of HI and OS were effective against multiple bacterial strains, including strains with reduced susceptibility to the reference antibiotics bacitracin, oxolinic acid, and streptomycin. These findings highlight the potential of HI, GB and especially OS as functional ingredients or feed additives for aquaculture. Full article

Over the past decade, changes in consumer dietary habits have driven an increasing demand for protein-enriched confectionery products. Consequently, research has increasingly focused on the utilization of alternative protein origins, including Acheta domesticus. This research paper aims to characterize Acheta domesticus protein powder (CP) in terms of its functional properties and chemical composition. In addition, the amino acid profile was determined using HPLC, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated by spectrophotometric methods (including the ABTS assay). Edibility was further assessed in proteins, both in their native form and after incorporation into cocoa cream products, using an in vitro digestion model. The results indicated that methionine was the most abundant essential amino acid in CP (17.71 mg/100 g protein), while glycine was the predominant non-essential amino acid (42.38 mg/100 g protein). CP also demonstrated high solubility (80.00%) and notable water- and oil-binding capacities (90.26% and 94.87%, respectively). However, its emulsifying properties were limited, as emulsifying stability was maintained for only 26 min. In contrast, digestibility results indicated strong protein hydrolysis in both native and cocoa cream samples enriched with CP in different concentrations (10, 12.5 and 15%), hereafter designated as CPC10, CPC12.5, and CPC15. The degree of hydrolysis was higher after the digestion process, with 39.11% for the control and 47.14%, 48.62% and 50.05% for the fortified samples—CPC10, CPC12.5 and CPC15, respectively. The ABTS assay further confirmed the increase in antioxidant activity after digestion. The ABTS values of the digested fortified samples ranged from 20.91% for CPC10 to 40.45% for CPC15, suggesting the release of bioactive peptides during gastrointestinal digestion. Overall, the findings highlight CP as a promising protein source for the fortification of cocoa cream products, which are naturally low in protein content. Full article

A 10-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with cricket meal on the productive performance and transcriptional responses of genes related to nutrient metabolism and growth of blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Five conventional tilapia feeds were formulated to replace fishmeal with cricket meal. Control diet (CD) was formulated with 20% fishmeal, and four diets gradually replaced fishmeal with cricket meal at 20, 40, 60, and 80% (D1–D4). A total of 200 fingerling tilapia (2.00 ± 0.09 g) were randomly distributed into 20 tanks (10 fish/tank), with four replicates per dietary treatment. The results showed that fish fed CD and D1 had higher growth performance values than those fed D2–D4. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better in fish fed CD and D1 compared with fish fed D2–D4. The survival rate was similar for all treatments. The transcriptional response of genes related to nutrient digestion, absorption, and transport; lipid metabolism; and the somatotropic axis was marked downregulated in fish fed D2 and D4, whereas in fish fed D3, it exhibited a unique compensatory regulation across most pathways, likely sustained by its higher dietary lipid content. Although cricket meal did not prevent the metabolic effects associated with high soybean meal inclusion, survival remained high across all treatments. Cricket meal can replace up to 20% of the fishmeal in the feed for blue tilapia fingerlings, with soybean meal as the main protein source. Full article

Enriching bakery products with highly nutritious ingredients, such as microalgae and insect powder, is a promising strategy for developing functional foods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of spirulina, chlorella, and cricket powder on the quality of sponge cakes. The assessed parameters included color, nutritional value, mineral composition, antioxidant activity, predicted glycemic index (pGI), and sensory properties. The addition of microalgae significantly reduced the L* value and altered the color shade of the sponge cakes, while the insect powder caused milder color changes. The enriched samples contained higher levels of protein (by up to 14%) and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Antioxidant activity was enhanced across all variations, particularly in sponge cakes with insect powder, which showed the highest TPC (47.96 mg GAE), DPPH· (0.107 mM TE), and ABTS·⁺ (0.208 mM TE) levels. Cakes containing spirulina exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (63.95 mg EPI). Additionally, the enriched samples demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the pGI. Among all the supplemented samples, the sponge cake with cricket powder received the highest consumer acceptance. Overall, enriching sponge cakes with microalgae and cricket powder improved their nutritional value and antioxidant properties, with insect powder offering the best balance between sensory quality and functionality. Full article

Sirtuins are conserved proteins regulating oxidative stress and lifespan. While they enhance cellular adaptability, the long-term biological consequences of combining bioactive compounds with nanomaterials remain poorly understood. This study examined the effects of combined resveratrol and nanodiamonds (RV+NDs) in two Acheta domesticus strains: wild-type (H) and longevity-selected (D). The impact was assessed across developmental stages, focusing on survival, total sirtuin activity, specific isoforms (SIRT1, SIRT6), oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and DNA damage markers. RV+NDs exposure did not result in consistent lifespan extension or sustained oxidative stress. Molecular responses were strongly dictated by genetic background and age, as reflected by significant survival differences between strains H and D (p < 0.001) Notably, a persistent increase in total sirtuin activity (~60% ↑ across developmental stages) occurred exclusively in the longevity-selected strain, though no stable activation of SIRT1 or SIRT6 was detected. While classical redox parameters showed only transient changes, DNA damage response markers emerged as the most sensitive indicators of RV+NDs exposure. Overall, the findings demonstrate that RV+NDs treatment induces context-dependent, adaptive molecular responses. This highlights the critical role of genetic background and age in shaping ageing-related pathways, suggesting that nanodelivery systems do not produce universal effects across different genotypes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insect oils have gained attention as sustainable cosmetic ingredients due to their bioactive lipid content. This study aimed to characterize oils from cricket and to evaluate their safety, biological activities, and performance in sunscreen formulations. Methods: Oils were extracted from Gryllus bimaculatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and Acheta domesticus by cold pressing following hot-air drying. Fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Safety was assessed by cytotoxicity testing in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO^•) assays. Based on biological performance, T. mitratus oil (TMO) was incorporated into sunscreen creams containing physical and chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters. Physical stability, viscosity, pH, sun protection factor (SPF), persistent pigment darkening/ultraviolet A protection factor (PPD/UVA-PF), and blue light protection were evaluated. Results: All cricket oils were non-cytotoxic to NHDF cells and were classified as non-irritating in the HET-CAM assay. TMO exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, reducing intracellular ROS and significantly inhibiting NO^• production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells. Only TMO showed measurable UVA protection (PPD/UVA-PF = 12.1, PA+++). Sunscreen creams formulated with TMO achieved higher photoprotective efficacy than olive oil-based creams, with SPF values up to 40.51 and PPD/UVA-PF up to 39.17. The inclusion of foundation pigments further increased SPF to 43.09 and enhanced blue light protection to 35.1%. Conclusions: TMO is a safe and effective multifunctional ingredient that enhances sunscreen performance and supports sustainable cosmetic formulation. Full article

Edible insects, despite their high nutritional value, are widely rejected due to neophobia associated with eating them whole. This study evaluated crispy corn tortillas (tostadas) enriched with cricket flour (CF) and defatted cricket flour (DCF) to increase protein content and acceptability. The tostadas were prepared using CF and DCF as substitutes for corn flour (5–25%). Physicochemical evaluation was conducted using proximal analysis, color measurements, and pH measurements. Sensory evaluation included Check all that apply (CATA); general liking, Just about right (JAR); preference mapping; and penalty analysis. The results showed increases in protein, fat, and ash content, and decreases in moisture and carbohydrates. The samples with cricket flour exhibited b* values similar to the control, an increase in a*, and a decrease in L*. The most notable descriptors for the tostadas with cricket flour were herb flavor, brown color, and granular texture. The treatments containing 5% and 15% CF showed the highest liking scores, whereas the control sample presented the lowest level of acceptance. In this regard, the control sample reduced the overall mean liking score. Therefore, most consumers exhibited preference patterns toward the samples formulated with CF and DCF, which were associated with higher overall acceptability. The penalty analysis indicated that the samples should be saltier and darker. In conclusion, tortillas enriched with cricket flour increase protein content and acceptability, although the formulation could be further improved to enhance overall liking. Full article

Global population growth necessitates sustainable food systems, positioning Circular Bioeconomy as a key transition framework. In Oaxaca, Mexico, semi-intensive tilapia aquaculture faces economic viability issues due to a critical reliance on expensive external commercial feeds. This study proposes a “Backyard Integrated System” specifically designed for rural contexts with limited capitalization, connecting traditional entomophagy with aquaculture to reduce operational costs and close nutrient cycles. Using a mixed-method approach, we first conducted a sociocultural diagnosis (n = 140), revealing a 97.14% acceptance of insect consumption. Subsequently, to validate technical viability, a long-term (280-day) feeding trial was conducted using standardized insect meals (Tenebrio molitor and Acheta domesticus) as total substitutes (100%) for commercial feed in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. Results showed a Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 1.61–1.62, comparable to the commercial control (p > 0.05), while significantly enhancing fillet protein content. Crucially, microbiological analysis confirmed the absence of pathogens in the final product, empirically validating the safety of the waste-to-feed cycle. Consequently, this strategy ensures food sovereignty, decouples producers from volatile external markets, and offers a scalable solution for community resilience without compromising food safety. Full article

The lemur tree frog (Agalychnis lemur), a critically endangered species, can benefit from ex situ conservation programs; however, managing amphibians under human care presents challenges, including the provision of appropriate nutrition. House crickets (Acheta domesticus), a common feeder insect, have an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P; 0.15:1) and low calcium content (<0.3%). While gut-loading crickets with an 8% calcium diet can improve their calcium concentrations, no study has assessed the effects of dietary calcium on bone development in Agalychnis spp. Moreover, no study has examined how diet impacts the gut–skin axis and skin microbiome of these frogs. This study examined how crickets gut-loaded with either a 1.3% or 8% calcium diet affected lemur tree frog bone density and skin microbiome. We hypothesized that frogs consuming the 8% calcium diet would exhibit significantly higher Hounsfield units (HU; bone density) over time, as measured by micro-computed tomography (mCT), and that dietary calcium concentration would have no effect on skin bacterial and fungi microbiomes. Eleven juvenile lemur tree frogs underwent mCT scans at baseline and 90 and 180 days. Total body volume of interest analysis showed a significant increase in HU in the 8% calcium group compared to the 1.3% group (F = 9.9, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference noted in the alpha or beta diversities for the bacterial and fungal microbiomes between dietary groups. This study provides the first evidence of dietary calcium’s impact on bone density in lemur tree frogs, offering valuable insights for improving ex situ management of this species. Full article

The expanding insect farming industry generates up to 67,000 tons of frass per year. Its potential use as fertilizer is promising, but has not yet been widely studied. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, organic matter structure, ecotoxicity, and phytotoxicity of frass from four insect species in order to evaluate its potential as a fertilizer. We compared four types of insect frass (IF) (Tenebrio molitor, Galleria mellonella, Hermetia illucens, and Acheta domesticus) to Eisenia fetida vermicompost (EFV). We used physicochemical analyses (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macro-micronutrients and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), spectroscopy (solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)) and thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC: R₁, R₂, Tmax), together with phytotoxicity (germination index, %GI) and ecotoxicity (toxicity units, TU) bioassays. Composition was species-dependent: A. domesticus showed the highest levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); the concentration of DOC was higher in insect frass (IF) than in EFV, with the highest concentration found in IF of T. molitor. ¹³C NMR/FTIR profiles distinguished between frass (carbohydrates/proteins and chitin signals) and EFV (humified, oxidized matrix). Thermal stability followed: G. mellonella (R₁ ≈ 0.88) ≥ A. domesticus (0.79) > H. illucens (0.73) > EFV (0.67) > T. molitor (0.50). In bioassays, T. molitor and A. domesticus exhibited phytotoxicity (%GI < 30), whereas G. mellonella and H. illucens did not. EFV exhibited the highest %GI. Dilution increased %GI in all materials, especially in T. molitor and A. domesticus, and reduced acute risk (TU). Frass is not a uniform input: its agronomic performance emerges from the interaction between EC (ionic stress), the availability of labile C (DOC, C/N and low-temperature exotherms), and structural stability (R₁/R₂ and aromaticity). In terms of formulation, IF can provide nutrients that mineralize rapidly, whereas EFV contributes stability. Controlling the inclusion and dilution of materials (e.g., limiting the amount of T. molitor in blends) and considering the mixing matrix helps to manage phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity, and realize the fertilizer value of the product. Full article

The house cricket, Acheta domesticus, is found globally. It is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to a wide variety of crops including cereal seedlings, vegetable crops, fruit plants, and stored grains. Additionally, crickets act as mechanical vectors of pathogens by harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins, causing foodborne illnesses. They can contaminate stored grains, packaged foods, or animal feed due to deposition of their feces, lowering the quality of the food and creating food safety risks. Synthetic insect repellents, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, have been used previously in integrated pest management practices to control crickets. Though successful as repellents, they have been associated with health and environmental risks and concerns. The use of organic green repellents, such as plant essential oils, may be a viable alternative in pest management practices. In this study, we tested the effects of 27 plant-based essential oils on the behavior of A. domesticus. A. domesticus were introduced into an open arena to allow them unrestricted movement. A transparent plastic bottle containing an essential oil treatment was placed in the arena to allow voluntary entry by the crickets. Following a predetermined observation period, the number of crickets that entered the bottle was recorded, and percent entry was calculated as the proportion of individuals inside the bottle relative to the total number in the arena. Analysis of the percentage entry into the bottles allowed for a comparative assessment of repellency of the selected essential oils examined in this study. Essential oils that elicited high levels of entry into the bottle were categorized as having weak or no repellency, while those that demonstrated reduced entry were classified as moderate or strong repellents. Our results indicated that A. domesticus responded with strong repellent behavior to nearly half of the essential oils tested, while four essential oils and two synthetic repellents evoked no significant repellent responses. Four strong repellent essential oils, namely peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, and lemongrass, were tested at different concentrations and showed a clear dose-dependent repellent effect. The results suggest that selected essential oils can be useful in the development of more natural “green” insect repellents. Full article

Growing pressure to build sustainable food systems is steering interest toward edible insects as efficient, nutrient-rich alternatives. In this work, it was evaluated whether adding DHA extracted from microalgal biomass to the standard diet of Acheta domesticus can enrich the crickets’ lipid quality. Diets containing 0, 5, and 10% DHA were fed under controlled rearing. Subadult crickets were milled and analyzed. Compared with controls, supplemented groups showed higher total lipids and a healthier fatty-acid profile, with clear increases in omega-3 and the appearance of DHA. This minor dietary change is simple, scalable, and compatible with low-impact rearing, supporting the development of higher-value insect-based ingredients for human nutrition. Full article

Current resource and processing constraints on conventional chitin production call for novel sources and more sustainable methods for its production. Herein, domestic cricket (Acheta domesticus L.) meal obtained from supercritical CO₂ oil extraction was investigated as a viable source of chitin via a one-pot approach using acidic (choline chloride: glycerol, CCG) and alkaline (potassium carbonate: glycerol, KG) deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The chitin samples obtained were compared with those obtained using conventional acid-alkaline extraction (CE) and commercial crab shell chitin (CS chitin) by robust characterization of their composition and physicochemical properties employing color, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and SEM analysis. The results showed that KG DES and recovered KG DES exhibited high demineralization and deproteinization capacity, producing chitin with high purity, α-chitin form, high acetylation degree (>77%), crystallinity (crystallinity index > 81%), and micro-fibrous morphology closely similar to those of CE chitin and CS chitin. Whereas CCG DES demonstrated excellent demineralization, it was less effective at deproteinization, leading to chitin with lower purity and crystalline properties. Together, the results demonstrated that cricket meal could be an alternative source of chitin, while KG DES one-pot extraction holds strong potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for obtaining commercial-grade chitin. Full article

Stimulation of plant metabolism is a research direction for increasing the nutritional and functional value of food. In a two-year field experiment with spring wheat, eight inducers from different groups (bio- and abiotic; exo- and endogenous) were used. The tested inducers had varied and significant effects on wheat grain yield and quality. Hydrogen peroxide, chitin, and chitosan hydrochloride increased phenolic content and antioxidant activity (by 13.7%, 15.7%, and 10.1%, respectively, compared to control). Analysis of the amino acid composition of caryopses flour showed a significant increase in the content of aspartic acid, alanine, phenylalanine, and arginine after the application of hydrogen peroxide. Application of chitosan hydrochloride, L-phenylalanine, and chitin resulted in an increase in APX gene expression, while sodium hypochlorite significantly decreased CAT gene expression. Potassium iodide and sodium hypochlorite significantly reduced grain yield (by 10.6% and 14.4%, respectively, compared to control) and also worsened quality parameters of grain. Hydrogen peroxide, chitin, and chitosan hydrochloride showed the greatest stimulatory potential, as their application did not worsen, and in some cases improved, yield parameters and increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of grain. Hydrogen peroxide further improved the amino acid composition of grains. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of effects on plants and to optimize the use of these inducers in agricultural practice. Full article

This review examines the nutritional and functional potential of Acheta domesticus, the impact of fermentation on its biochemical and microbiological properties, and its application in food ingredients and products. Relevant literature was reviewed on the composition, fermentation behavior, product development, and consumer perceptions related to cricket-based ingredients, with a focus on fermented applications and microbiota interaction. Fermentation improves the safety, digestibility, flavor, and nutritional value of cricket powder. Lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Latilactobacillus curvatus) enhanced substrate acidification, reduced biogenic amines and acrylamide levels, and contributed to desirable volatile compounds production. Additionally, fermentation using yeasts like Yarrowia lipolytica and Debaryomyces hansenii resulted in the production of antimicrobial substances, reduction in chitin, and an increase in the matrix digestibility. Fermented cricket-based ingredients have been successfully applied to bread, biscuits, yogurt, and beverages. Protein hydrolysates produced by fermentation exhibited antioxidant, anti-aging, and preservative properties, expanding potential beyond food. Consumer acceptance was highest when insects were integrated into familiar and visually unobtrusive food formats. To conclude, A. domesticus shows great promise as a sustainable and functional food ingredient. Fermentation offers a key strategy to overcome safety, sensory, and acceptability barriers. Full article