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Vitti A, Coviello L, Triunfo M, Guarnieri A, Scieuzo C, Salvia R, Falabella P, Nuzzaci M. In vitro antifungal activity and in vivo edible coating efficacy of insect-derived chitosan against Botrytis cinerea in strawberry. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135158. [PMID: 39214206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Strawberry is a perishable fruit, susceptible to development of rot by a range of fungi, in particular Botrytis cinerea. Chitosan represents an alternative to agrochemicals for improving shelf-life and fighting fungal pathogens. A chitosan-based coating derived from pupal exuviae of Hermetia illucens has been recently formulated for improving shelf-life of strawberry stored at 4 °C and mixed condition (4 °C and room temperature). The effects of a decolored (PEDEC) and not decolored (PEND) chitosan from the black soldier fly were evaluated and compared with commercial chitosans from crustaceans (CCs), in vitro and in vivo. An inhibition/reduction of fungal growth and a disturbance of normal fungal morphology were observed, being MIC of 0.5 mg mL-1 and 1 mg mL-1 and growth inhibition of 70 % and 4% for PEND and PEDEC, respectively. Both edible coatings distributed via aerograph showed equal or better potential application than CCs in controlling B. cinerea in strawberry post-harvest treated. Different effects for chitosans depended on their different molecular weight and deacetylation degree distributions, and the presence or absence of melanin pigments in their structure. PEND could act directly against the fungus, with effects predominantly associated with fungitoxic properties; PEDEC might principally provide viable alternatives, such as the elicitation of biochemical defense responses in fruits, for example through total phenols, in particular the flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Vitti
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Coviello
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Micaela Triunfo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Anna Guarnieri
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Maria Nuzzaci
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
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Guarnieri A, Triunfo M, Ianniciello D, Tedesco F, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Schmitt E, Capece A, Falabella P. Insect-derived chitosan, a biopolymer for the increased shelf life of white and red grapes. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133149. [PMID: 38945705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Post-harvest water loss and microbial infections are the root cause of the rapid deterioration of fresh fruit after the picking process, with both environmental and economic implications. Therefore, it is crucial to find solutions that can increase the shelf life of fresh fruits. For this purpose, edible coatings, naturally derived and non-synthetic, are acknowledged as a safe strategy. Among polymeric coatings, chitosan is one of the most effective. In this work, this biopolymer, produced from chitin extracted from Hermetia illucens, an alternative and more sustainable source than crustaceans (the commercial one), was exploited to extend the shelf life of white and red grapes. Chitosan from H. illucens pupal exuviae, at 0.5 % and 1 % concentrations, was applied on both grapes, which were then stored at room temperature or 4 °C. The study of chemical-physical parameters such as weight loss, Total Soluble Solids and pH, demonstrated the effectiveness of the biopolymer, even better than crustacean chitosan. Moreover, the analysis of nutraceutical properties has demonstrated that this natural edible coating improves the quality of grapes, with beneficial effects for human health. The obtained results, therefore, confirmed the viability of using insect-chitosan as an alternative to crustaceans for the preservation of fresh food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Guarnieri
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Micaela Triunfo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Dolores Ianniciello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Tedesco
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Eric Schmitt
- Protix B.V., Industriestaat 3, NC 5107 Dongen, the Netherlands
| | - Angela Capece
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
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3
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Triunfo M, Guarnieri A, Ianniciello D, Coltelli MB, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, De Bonis A, Falabella P. A comprehensive characterization of Hermetia illucens derived chitosan produced through homogeneous deacetylation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132669. [PMID: 38801847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The increasing demand for chitin and chitosan is driving research to explore alternative sources to crustaceans. Insects, particularly bioconverters as Hermetia illucens, are promising substitutes as they process food industry waste into valuable molecules, including chitin. Chitosan can be produced by chitin deacetylation: hot deacetylation to obtain a heterogeneous chitosan, the commonly produced, and cold deacetylation to obtain a homogeneous chitosan, not widely available. The two different treatments lead to a different arrangement of the amine and acetyl groups in the chitosan structure, affecting its molecular weight, deacetylation degree, and biological activity. This is the first report on the production and chemical-physical and biological characterization of homogenous chitosan derived from H. illucens larvae, pupal exuviae, and adults. This work, in addition to the report on heterogeneous chitosan by our research group, completes the overview of H. illucens chitosan. The yield values obtained for homogeneous chitosan from pupal exuviae (3 and 7 %) are in the range of insect (2-8 %) and crustaceans (4-15 %) chitosan. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Micrococcus flavus) bacteria confirmed the great versatility of H. illucens chitosan for biomedical and industrial applications and its suitability as an alternative source to crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Triunfo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Anna Guarnieri
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Dolores Ianniciello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Coltelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa - Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Angela De Bonis
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata - Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
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Mei Z, Kuzhir P, Godeau G. Update on Chitin and Chitosan from Insects: Sources, Production, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:297. [PMID: 38786507 PMCID: PMC11118814 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects, renowned for their abundant and renewable biomass, stand at the forefront of biomimicry-inspired research and offer promising alternatives for chitin and chitosan production considering mounting environmental concerns and the inherent limitations of conventional sources. This comprehensive review provides a meticulous exploration of the current state of insect-derived chitin and chitosan, focusing on their sources, production methods, characterization, physical and chemical properties, and emerging biomedical applications. Abundant insect sources of chitin and chitosan, from the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Dictyoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera orders, were comprehensively summarized. A variety of characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and microscopy, were used to reveal their physical and chemical properties like molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and crystallinity, laying a solid foundation for their wide application, especially for the biomimetic design process. The examination of insect-derived chitin and chitosan extends into a wide realm of biomedical applications, highlighting their unique advantages in wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and antimicrobial therapies. Their intrinsic biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties position them as promising candidates for innovative solutions in diverse medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenying Mei
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7010 Institut de Physique de Nice, 17 rue Julien Laupêtre, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Pavel Kuzhir
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7010 Institut de Physique de Nice, 17 rue Julien Laupêtre, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Guilhem Godeau
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR 7010 Institut de Physique de Nice, 17 rue Julien Laupêtre, 06200 Nice, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Méditerranéen du Risque de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable, 9 rue Julien Laupêtre, 06200 Nice, France
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Lomonaco G, Franco A, De Smet J, Scieuzo C, Salvia R, Falabella P. Larval Frass of Hermetia illucens as Organic Fertilizer: Composition and Beneficial Effects on Different Crops. INSECTS 2024; 15:293. [PMID: 38667423 PMCID: PMC11050032 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Hermetia illucens has received a lot of attention as its larval stage can grow on organic substrates, even those that are decomposing. Black soldier fly breeding provides a variety of valuable products, including frass, a mixture of larval excrements, larval exuviae, and leftover feedstock, that can be used as a fertilizer in agriculture. Organic fertilizers, such as frass, bringing beneficial bacteria and organic materials into the soil, improves its health and fertility. This comprehensive review delves into a comparative analysis of frass derived from larvae fed on different substrates. The composition of micro- and macro-nutrients, pH levels, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, moisture levels, and the proportion of dry matter are under consideration. The effect of different feeding substrates on the presence of potentially beneficial bacteria for plant growth within the frass is also reported. A critical feature examined in this review is the post-application beneficial impacts of frass on crops, highlighting the agricultural benefits and drawbacks of introducing Hermetia illucens frass into cultivation operations. One notable feature of this review is the categorization of the crops studied into distinct groups, which is useful to simplify comparisons in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lomonaco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff Xflies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Jeroen De Smet
- Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, 2440 Geel, Belgium;
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff Xflies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff Xflies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Spinoff Xflies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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6
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Triunfo M, Guarnieri A, Ianniciello D, Coviello L, Vitti A, Nuzzaci M, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Falabella P. Hermetia illucens, an innovative and sustainable source of chitosan-based coating for postharvest preservation of strawberries. iScience 2023; 26:108576. [PMID: 38162020 PMCID: PMC10755050 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of chitosan produced from pupal exuviae of Hermetia illucens to retard the decay of the local strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cultivar Melissa was investigated for the first time in this paper. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of insect chitosan compared to the commercial polymer in preserving and enhancing, at the same time, some physicochemical parameters (weight loss, pH and soluble solids content) and nutraceutical properties (total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant activity) of strawberries stored at RT, 4°C and at mixed storage conditions (4°C + RT). Moreover, chitosan from H. illucens was also effective in reducing fungal decay and improving fruit shelf life. The obtained results confirm that insect chitosan, particularly deriving from H. illucens pupal exuviae, can be a viable alternative to crustacean one in safeguarding postharvest fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Triunfo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Anna Guarnieri
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Dolores Ianniciello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Leonardo Coviello
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonella Vitti
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Nuzzaci
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Egorov AR, Kirichuk AA, Rubanik VV, Rubanik VV, Tskhovrebov AG, Kritchenkov AS. Chitosan and Its Derivatives: Preparation and Antibacterial Properties. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6076. [PMID: 37763353 PMCID: PMC10532898 DOI: 10.3390/ma16186076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This comprehensive review illuminates the various methods of chitosan extraction, its antibacterial properties, and its multifarious applications in diverse sectors. We delve into chemical, physical, biological, hybrid, and green extraction techniques, each of which presents unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method is dictated by multiple variables, including the desired properties of chitosan, resource availability, cost, and environmental footprint. We explore the intricate relationship between chitosan's antibacterial activity and its properties, such as cationic density, molecular weight, water solubility, and pH. Furthermore, we spotlight the burgeoning applications of chitosan-based materials like films, nanoparticles, nonwoven materials, and hydrogels across the food, biomedical, and agricultural sectors. The review concludes by highlighting the promising future of chitosan, underpinned by technological advancements and growing sustainability consciousness. However, the critical challenges of optimizing chitosan's production for sustainability and efficiency remain to be tackled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton R. Egorov
- Department of Human Ecology and Biolementology, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.R.E.); (A.A.K.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Anatoly A. Kirichuk
- Department of Human Ecology and Biolementology, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.R.E.); (A.A.K.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Vasili V. Rubanik
- Institute of Technical Acoustics NAS of Belarus, Ludnikova Prosp. 13, 210009 Vitebsk, Belarus; (V.V.R.); (V.V.R.J.)
| | - Vasili V. Rubanik
- Institute of Technical Acoustics NAS of Belarus, Ludnikova Prosp. 13, 210009 Vitebsk, Belarus; (V.V.R.); (V.V.R.J.)
| | - Alexander G. Tskhovrebov
- Department of Human Ecology and Biolementology, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.R.E.); (A.A.K.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Andreii S. Kritchenkov
- Department of Human Ecology and Biolementology, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., 117198 Moscow, Russia; (A.R.E.); (A.A.K.); (A.G.T.)
- Institute of Technical Acoustics NAS of Belarus, Ludnikova Prosp. 13, 210009 Vitebsk, Belarus; (V.V.R.); (V.V.R.J.)
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