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Silvaraju S, Zhang QH, Kittelmann S, Puniamoorthy N. Genetics, age, and diet influence gut bacterial communities and performance of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:56. [PMID: 39407272 PMCID: PMC11481748 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) play a crucial role in recycling various organic waste streams. This capability is linked to the presence of a potential common core microbiota in BSFL. However, subjective thresholds for defining core taxa and the difficulty of separating genetic and environmental influences have prevented a clear consensus in the literature. We analysed the gut bacterial communities of two genetically distinct BSF lines (wild type (WT) and lab-adapted line (LD)) raised on ten different diets based on common agricultural by-products and food waste in Southeast Asia. RESULTS High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that gut bacterial communities were significantly influenced by genetics (p = 0.001), diet (plant/meat-dominated; p = 0.001), larval age (p = 0.001), and the interactions between all three (p = 0.002). This led us to investigate both common core taxa and lineage-specific core taxa. At a strict > 97% prevalence threshold, four core taxa were identified: Providencia_A_732258, an unclassified genus within the family Enterococcaceae, Morganella, and Enterococcus_H_360604. A relaxed threshold (> 80% prevalence) extended the core to include other potential common core taxa such as Klebsiella, Proteus, and Scrofimicrobium. Our data suggest that Proteus, Scrofimicrobium, Corynebacterium, Vagococcus_B, Lysinibacillus_304693 (all LD), and Paenibacillus_J_366884 (WT) are lineage-specific rather than members of a common core (> 90% prevalence in either LD or WT, with prevalence significantly different between lines (p ≤ 0.05)). Positive correlations were observed between several core genera and larval performance in LD, typical of a highly optimized lab-adapted line. Interestingly, only members of the genus Providencia appeared to play a crucial role in most aspects of larval performance in both genetic lineages. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that the gut microbiota of BSFL is influenced by genetic factors, diet composition, larval age, and their interactions. We identified a distinct lineage-specific core microbiota, emphasizing genetic background's role. Future studies should apply a standardized high prevalence threshold of at least > 90% unless there is a valid reason for relaxation or sample exclusion. The consistent association of Providencia spp. with larval performance across both genetic lines highlights their crucial role in the BSFL gut ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaktheeshwari Silvaraju
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Wilmar International Limited, 28 Biopolis Road, Singapore, 138568, Singapore
| | - Qi-Hui Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Sandra Kittelmann
- Wilmar International Limited, 28 Biopolis Road, Singapore, 138568, Singapore.
| | - Nalini Puniamoorthy
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
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Kibet S, Mudalungu CM, Kimani NM, Makwatta JO, Kabii J, Sevgan S, Kelemu S, Tanga CM. Unearthing Lactococcus lactis and Scheffersomyeces symbionts from edible wood-boring beetle larvae as a bio-resource for industrial applications. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:282. [PMID: 39080520 PMCID: PMC11290184 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03428-9] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota have several advantages in influencing the host nutrition, metabolism, immunity and growth. However, the understanding of the gut microbiota in key edible wood-boring beetle larvae remain largely undefined. In the present study, the characteristics of the gut microbiota of two edible wood-boring species (Titocerus jaspideus and Passalus punctiger) from two indigenous forested areas were investigated. RESULTS Over 50% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) constituted of Firmicutes in T. jaspideus. The dominant phyla in both beetle species were Bacteroidota (4.20-19.79%) and Proteobacteria (15.10-23.90%). Lactococcus lactis was the most abundant and core prokaryote in the guts of T. jaspideus. The fungi identified in the gut of both insects belong to the phylum Obazoa (66%) and Ascomycota (> 15%). Scheffersomyeces sp. was the core eukaryote recorded. The diversity of gut microbiota in both insect species did not vary significantly. Most of the prokaryotic genes expressed were predominantly associated with biosynthesis and metabolism. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that Lactococcus lactis and Scheffersomyeces are core gut microbes of wood boring beetle larvae with desirable probiotic properties and promising use in food product fermentation for improved growth performance, gut barrier health, intestinal flora balance and immune protection for human and animals. Further studies to highlight the latest medical-based applications of L. lactis as live-delivery vector for the administration of therapeutics against both communicable and non-communicable diseases are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadrack Kibet
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Embu, P.O Box 6, Embu, 60100, Kenya
| | - Cynthia M Mudalungu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
- School of Chemistry and Material Science, The Technical University of Kenya, P.O Box 52428, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Njogu M Kimani
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Embu, P.O Box 6, Embu, 60100, Kenya
| | - JohnMark O Makwatta
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - James Kabii
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Subramanian Sevgan
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Segenet Kelemu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Chrysantus M Tanga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
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Van Looveren N, IJdema F, van der Heijden N, Van Der Borght M, Vandeweyer D. Microbial dynamics and vertical transmission of Escherichia coli across consecutive life stages of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:29. [PMID: 38797818 PMCID: PMC11129375 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) is one of the most promising insects for bioconversion of organic waste, which often carry a high microbial load with potential foodborne pathogens. Although horizontal transmission (from rearing substrate to larvae) has been extensively studied, less is known about vertical transmission of microorganisms, and particularly of foodborne pathogens, across different BSF life stages. RESULTS This study investigated the microbial dynamics and vertical transmission of Escherichia coli across different life stages (larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults) of one BSF life cycle and its associated substrate (chicken feed) and frass, based on a combination of general microbial counts (based on culture-dependent techniques) and the bacterial community composition (based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing). Multiple interactions between the microbiota of the substrate, frass and BSF larvae were affirmed. The larvae showed relative consistency among both the microbial counts and bacterial community composition. Diversification of the bacterial communities started during the pupal stage, while most notable changes of the microbial counts and bacterial community compositions occurred during metamorphosis to adults. Furthermore, vertical transmission of E. coli was investigated after substrate inoculation with approximately 7.0 log cfu/g of kanamycin-resistant E. coli, and monitoring E. coli counts from larval to adult stage. Although the frass still contained substantial levels of E. coli (> 4.5 log cfu/g) and E. coli was taken up by the larvae, limited vertical transmission of E. coli was observed with a decreasing trend until the prepupal stage. E. coli counts were below the detection limit (1.0 log cfu/g) for all BSF samples from the end of the pupal stage and the adult stage. Additionally, substrate inoculation of E. coli did not have a substantial impact on the bacterial community composition of the substrate, frass or different BSF life stages. CONCLUSIONS The fluctuating microbial counts and bacterial community composition underscored the dynamic character of the microbiota of BSF life stages. Additionally, vertical transmission throughout one BSF life cycle was not observed for E. coli. Hence, these findings paved the way for future case studies on vertical transmission of foodborne pathogens across consecutive BSF life stages or other insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Van Looveren
- KU Leuven, Geel Campus, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Kleinhoefstraat 4, Geel, 2440, Belgium
| | - Freek IJdema
- KU Leuven, Geel Campus, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Kleinhoefstraat 4, Geel, 2440, Belgium
| | - Niels van der Heijden
- KU Leuven, Geel Campus, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Kleinhoefstraat 4, Geel, 2440, Belgium
| | - Mik Van Der Borght
- KU Leuven, Geel Campus, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Kleinhoefstraat 4, Geel, 2440, Belgium
| | - Dries Vandeweyer
- KU Leuven, Geel Campus, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Kleinhoefstraat 4, Geel, 2440, Belgium.
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Dallaire-Lamontagne M, Lebeuf Y, Allard Prus JM, Vandenberg GW, Saucier L, Deschamps MH. Characterization of hatchery residues for on farm implementation of circular waste management practices. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 175:305-314. [PMID: 38237406 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The conventional management of hatchery residues is associated with greenhouse gas and unpleasant odor emissions, the presence of pathogens and high disposal costs for producers. To address these issues, on-farm alternatives like composting, fermentation, and insect valorization are promising approaches. This study aims to characterize hatchery residues and define critical quality thresholds to identify effective processes for their management. Hatchery residue samples were collected bi-monthly over a year (N = 24) and were analyzed for proximate composition (dry matter, ash, energy, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fiber, carbohydrates), pH, color (L*a*b*, Chroma) and microbiological loads (total aerobic mesophilic counts, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria). Volatile fatty acid composition was also measured (N = 8). Significant correlation coefficients were found between TAM and LAB loads and residue characterization (pH, chroma, crude fibers, carbohydrates, and temperature). On a dry matter basis, residues were high in energy (2498 to 5911 cal/g), proteins (21.3 to 49.4 %) and lipids (14.6 to 29.1 %), but low in carbohydrates (0 to 15.3 %) despite temporal fluctuations. Ash content varied widely (8.6 to 49.1 %, dry matter) and is influenced by eggshell content. Microbiological loads were high for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (6.5 to 9.1 log cfu/g), coliforms (5.4 to 8.5 log cfu/g) and lactic acid bacteria (6.7 to 9.0 log cfu/g). Valorization of hatchery residues on the farm will depends on the optimization of effective upstream stabilization processes. The critical points are discussed according to the valorization potentials that could be implemented on the farm from composting to upcycling by insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, 2440 Bd Hochelaga, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Chair of Educational Leadership (CLE) in Primary Production and Processing of Edible Insects (CLEIC https://cleic.fsaa.ulaval.ca/en/), Canada; Inscott, 1798 Route du Président-Kennedy, Scott, QC G0S 3G0, Canada.
| | - Yolaine Lebeuf
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, 2440 Bd Hochelaga, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jean-Michel Allard Prus
- Couvoir Scott Ltée, 1798 Route du Président-Kennedy, Scott, QC G0S 3G0, Canada; Inscott, 1798 Route du Président-Kennedy, Scott, QC G0S 3G0, Canada.
| | - Grant W Vandenberg
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Chair of Educational Leadership (CLE) in Primary Production and Processing of Edible Insects (CLEIC https://cleic.fsaa.ulaval.ca/en/), Canada.
| | - Linda Saucier
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, 2440 Bd Hochelaga, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole (CRIPA), 3200 Sicotte, bureau 3115-4, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Hélène Deschamps
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Laval, 2440 Bd Hochelaga, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Chair of Educational Leadership (CLE) in Primary Production and Processing of Edible Insects (CLEIC https://cleic.fsaa.ulaval.ca/en/), Canada; Centre de recherche en infectiologie porcine et avicole (CRIPA), 3200 Sicotte, bureau 3115-4, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada.
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Shao M, Zhao X, Rehman KU, Cai M, Zheng L, Huang F, Zhang J. Synergistic bioconversion of organic waste by black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens) larvae and thermophilic cellulose-degrading bacteria. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1288227. [PMID: 38268703 PMCID: PMC10806183 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1288227] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examines the optimum conversion of Wuzhishan pig manure by Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) at various phases of development, as well as the impact of gut microbiota on conversion efficiency. Method and results In terms of conversion efficiency, BSFL outperformed the growing pig stage (GP) group, with significantly higher survival rates (96.75%), fresh weight (0.23 g), and larval conversion rate (19.96%) compared to the other groups. Notably, the GP group showed significant dry matter reductions (43.27%) and improved feed conversion rates (2.17). Nutritional composition varied, with the GP group having a lower organic carbon content. High throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed unique profiles, with the GP group exhibiting an excess of Lactobacillus and Clostridium. Promising cellulose-degrading bacteria in pig manure and BSFL intestines, including Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, showed superior cellulose degradation capabilities. The synergy of these thermophilic bacteria with BSFL greatly increased conversion efficiency. The BSFL1-10 group demonstrated high growth and conversion efficiency under specific conditions, with remarkable larval moisture content (71.11%), residual moisture content (63.20%), and waste reduction rate (42.28%). Discussion This study sheds light on the optimal stages for BSFL conversion of pig manure, gut microbiota dynamics, promising thermophilic cellulose-degrading bacteria, and the significant enhancement of efficiency through synergistic interactions. These findings hold great potential for sustainable waste management and efficient biomass conversion, contributing to environmental preservation and resource recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Shao
- Institute of Tropical Agricultural Technology, Hainan Vocational University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Kashif Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
- German Institute of Food Technologies, Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Minmin Cai
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Longyu Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Jibin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, National Engineering Research Center of Microbial Pesticides, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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Vandeweyer D, Bruno D, Bonelli M, IJdema F, Lievens B, Crauwels S, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G, De Smet J. Bacterial biota composition in gut regions of black soldier fly larvae reared on industrial residual streams: revealing community dynamics along its intestinal tract. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1276187. [PMID: 38107863 PMCID: PMC10722301 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1276187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Some insect species have gained attention as efficient bioconverters of low-value organic substrates (i.e., residual streams) into high-value biomass. Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae are particularly interesting for bioconversion due to their ability to grow on a wide range of substrates, including low-value industrial residual streams. This is in part due to the plasticity of the gut microbiota of polyphagous insects, like BSF. Gut microbiota composition varies depending on rearing substrates, via a mechanism that might support the recruitment of microorganisms that facilitate digestion of a specific substrate. At the same time, specific microbial genera do persist on different substrates via unknown mechanisms. This study aimed to offer insights on this microbial plasticity by investigating how the composition of the bacterial community present in the gut of BSF larvae responds to two industrial residual streams: swill (a mixture of catering and supermarket leftovers) and distiller's dried grains with solubles. The bacterial biota composition of substrates, whole larvae at the beginning of the rearing period and at harvest, rearing residues, and larval gut regions were investigated through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It was observed that both substrate and insect development influenced the bacterial composition of the whole larvae. Zooming in on the gut regions, there was a clear shift in community composition from a higher to a lower diversity between the anterior/middle midgut and the posterior midgut/hindgut, indicating a selective pressure occurring in the middle midgut region. Additionally, the abundance of the bacterial biota was always high in the hindgut, while its diversity was relatively low. Even more, the bacterial community in the hindgut was found to be relatively more conserved over the different substrates, harboring members of the BSF core microbiota. We postulate a potential role of the hindgut as a reservoir for insect-associated microbes. This warrants further research on that underexplored region of the intestinal tract. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of the bacterial biota structure and dynamics along the intestinal tract, which can aid microbiome engineering efforts to enhance larval performance on (industrial) residual streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries Vandeweyer
- Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Geel, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bruno
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Bonelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Freek IJdema
- Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Geel, Belgium
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Crauwels
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Jeroen De Smet
- Research Group for Insect Production and Processing, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Geel, Belgium
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