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Carpentier J, Abenaim L, Luttenschlager H, Dessauvages K, Liu Y, Samoah P, Francis F, Caparros Megido R. Microorganism Contribution to Mass-Reared Edible Insects: Opportunities and Challenges. INSECTS 2024; 15:611. [PMID: 39194816 DOI: 10.3390/insects15080611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The interest in edible insects' mass rearing has grown considerably in recent years, thereby highlighting the challenges of domesticating new animal species. Insects are being considered for use in the management of organic by-products from the agro-industry, synthetic by-products from the plastics industry including particular detoxification processes. The processes depend on the insect's digestive system which is based on two components: an enzymatic intrinsic cargo to the insect species and another extrinsic cargo provided by the microbial community colonizing-associated with the insect host. Advances have been made in the identification of the origin of the digestive functions observed in the midgut. It is now evident that the community of microorganisms can adapt, improve, and extend the insect's ability to digest and detoxify its food. Nevertheless, edible insect species such as Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor are surprisingly autonomous, and no obligatory symbiosis with a microorganism has yet been uncovered for digestion. Conversely, the intestinal microbiota of a given species can take on different forms, which are largely influenced by the host's environment and diet. This flexibility offers the potential for the development of novel associations between insects and microorganisms, which could result in the creation of synergies that would optimize or expand value chains for agro-industrial by-products, as well as for contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Carpentier
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Linda Abenaim
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Hugo Luttenschlager
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Kenza Dessauvages
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
- Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Prince Samoah
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Rudy Caparros Megido
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Caputo S, Agostino RG, Montali A, Tettamanti G, Giglio A. Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:19-40. [PMID: 38409390 PMCID: PMC10997553 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Division of Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Caputo
- University of Calabria, Department of Environmental Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Raffaele G Agostino
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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Abstract
We have studied Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti using a variety of methods: Ramsay fluid secretion assay, electron probe analysis of secreted fluid, in vitro microperfusion and two-electrode voltage clamp. Collectively, these methods have allowed us to elucidate transepithelial transport mechanisms under control conditions and in the presence of diuretic peptides. Mosquito natriuretic peptide (MNP), a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like diuretic peptide, selectively increases transepithelial secretion of NaCl and water, meeting the NaCl loads of the blood meal. The intracellular messenger of MNP is cAMP, which increases the Na+ conductance and activates the Na+/K+/2Cl- -cotransporter in the basolateral membrane of principal cells. Leucokinin non-selectively increases transepithelial NaCl and KCl secretion, which may deal with hemolymph volume expansions or reduce the flight pay load upon eclosion from the aquatic habitat. The non-selective NaCl and KCl diuresis stems from the increase in septate junctional Cl- conductance activated by leucokinin using Ca2+ as second messenger. Fundamental to diuretic mechanisms are powerful epithelial transport mechanisms in the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules, where transepithelial secretion rates can exceed the capacity of mammalian glomerular kidneys in the renal turnover of the extracellular fluid compartment. In conjunction with powerful epithelial transport mechanisms driven by the V-type H+-ATPase, diuretic hormones enable hematophagous and probably also phytophagous insects to deal with enormous dietary loads, thereby contributing to the evolutionary success of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus W Beyenbach
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, VRT 8004, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Thiemann T, Fielden LJ, Kelrick MI. Water uptake in the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (Pulicidae: Siphonaptera). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2003; 49:1085-1092. [PMID: 14624880 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1910(03)00153-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To counteract water loss due to excretion, cuticular transpiration and respiration, various groups of arthropods have developed mechanisms for active uptake of water vapor from unsaturated air. In this study, active uptake capabilities and water loss rates were examined in the various developmental stages of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. To determine critical equilibrium humidity, the lowest relative humidity at which active water uptake can occur, pre-desiccated immature and adult fleas were placed in a series of humidity regimes ranging from 44 to 93% RH. Active uptake occurred in larval stages at relative humidities above 53% and in pre-pupae at 75-93% RH. Pupae and adults did not demonstrate active uptake at any humidity. Optimal uptake for larvae occurred between 20 and 30 degrees C. When placed over Drierite (<10% RH), larval and adult stages demonstrated a higher rate of water loss than pre-pupal and pupal stages. Active water uptake is necessary to ensure proper development of the larvae of C. felis. Active uptake ceases after the larval-pupal ecdysis and it appears that adults have lost the ability to actively uptake water.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Thiemann
- Division of Science, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
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Arab A, Caetano FH. Segmental specializations in the Malpighian tubules of the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima Forel 1904 (Myrmicinae): an electron microscopical study. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2002; 30:281-92. [PMID: 18088962 DOI: 10.1016/s1467-8039(01)00039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2001] [Accepted: 12/08/2001] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The Malpighian tubules of workers of the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Myrmicinae) were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to determine their functional organization and association with the hindgut epithelium. The ants showed six Malpighian tubules with three segments morphologically and structurally different. The proximal segment was long and its cells showed abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets, which suggest their role in lipid secretion. The mid segment was long and undulated and it was composed by the cells that showed the typical features of ion transporting epithelia. The distal segment, short and flattened, adheres to the rectum wall. The cells of this segment showed the basal lamina fused to that of the rectum, it is probable that this part of the tubule may play a role in ion and water uptake from the feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Arab
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, CEP 13506-900, Brazil
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Mewis I, Ulrichs C. Action of amorphous diatomaceous earth against different stages of the stored product pests Tribolium confusum, Tenebrio molitor, Sitophilus granarius and Plodia interpunctella. JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2001; 37:153-164. [PMID: 11124378 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-474x(00)00016-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human health problems associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have prompted the demand for non-polluting, biologically specific insecticides. The current study tested the use and action of diatomaceous earth against several stored product pests. Fossil Shield(R) applied to wooden plates was lethal to adult Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium confusum, but larvae of the mealworm were unaffected. Beetles died within 14 days exposure in the absence of food to a dose of 2 and 4 g/m(2), but mortality was reduced in those fed grain bran. Fossil Shield(R) was lethal to first instar larvae of Plodia interpunctella, but not lethal to older larval stages. Two-week old larvae of T. confusum were more sensitive to diatomaceous earth than P. interpunctella at the same age. Contact with diatomaceous earth caused adult Sitophilus granarius, T. molitor and T. confusum to lose weight and reduced their water content, suggesting disruption of "the water barrier". Death of stored product insects treated with diatomaceous earth decreased with increased r.h., due to reduced transpiration through the cuticle. High r.h. delays, or above 60% can prevent, the drying action of diatomaceous earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mewis
- Research Office, Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva-Ecija 3120, Philippines
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