Analysis of Chemical Composition of Mulberry Silkworm Pupal Oil with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and its Antimicrobial Property

Silkworm Pupae: A Functional Food with Health Benefits for Humans

Silkworm pupae are insects that are beneficial to human health, not only for their high nutritional value but, more importantly, for the variety of pharmacological functions they can perform when consumed. Currently, there is a lot of interest in the pharmaceutical applications of silkworm pupae. In recent years, the biological functions of domestic silkworm pupae have gradually been identified and confirmed, especially for their beneficial effects on human health. Studies have found that silkworm pupae have positive effects on liver protection, immune enhancement, antiapoptosis, antitumour, antibacterial, regulation of blood glucose and blood lipids, and lowering of blood pressure. However, the pharmacological mechanisms and systemic safety of silkworm pupae have not been systematically evaluated. In this paper, the nutritional composition of the pupae of the domestic silkworm is first summarised. The pharmacological functions of silkworm pupae and their components are then classified, and their mechanisms of occurrence are described. In addition, we provide a preliminary evaluation of the safety of silkworm pupae, analyse their application prospects, and suggest future directions for further pharmacological function studies. The aim is to generate interest in the promotion of human health through the use of silkworm pupae.

Mechanical Processing of Hermetia illucens Larvae and Bombyx mori Pupae Produces Oils with Antimicrobial Activity

The aim of this work was to develop processing methods that safeguard the quality and antimicrobial properties of H. illucens and B. mori oils. We adopted a vegetable diet for both insects: leftover vegetables and fruit for H. illucens and mulberry leaves for B. mori. First, alternative techniques to obtain a good oil extraction yield from the dried biomass of H. illucens larvae were tested. Traditional pressing resulted to be the best system to maximize the oil yield and it was successfully applied to B. mori pupae. Oil quality resulted comparable to that obtained with other extraction methods described in the literature. In the case of B. mori pupae, different treatments and preservation periods were investigated to evaluate their influence on the oil composition and quality. Interestingly, agar diffusion assays demonstrated the sensitivity of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus to H. illucens and B. mori derived oils, whereas the growth of Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli was not affected. This study confirms that fat and other active compounds of the oil extracted by hot pressing could represent effective antimicrobials against bacteria, a relevant result if we consider that they are by-products of the protein extraction process in the feed industry.

Application of mass spectrometry in silkworm research-Review

In this first mass spectrometry-focused review paper, we will review current applications of mass spectrometry in the area of silkworm research. We will focus our review on the following two most important areas as they are currently being researched by scientists. Firstly, the proteomics of proteins in the process of silkworm lifecycle has generated knowledge about previous undetected proteins, some of which might possess therapeutic effects. Secondly, fatty acids, which are the other major components in silkworm, have several potential medical applications. We will also highlight potential areas warranting further investigation.