Proteomics and ultrastructural analysis of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larval peritrophic matrix

Abstract

Background The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has significant economic potential. The larvae can be used in financially viable waste management systems, as they are voracious feeders able to efficiently convert low-quality waste into valuable biomass. However, most studies on H. illucens in recent decades have focused on optimizing their breeding and bioconversion conditions, while information on their biology is limited. Methods About 200 fifth instar well-fed larvae were sacrificed in this work. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study to perform a proteomic and ultrastructural analysis of the peritrophic matrix (PM) of H. illucens larvae. Results A total of 565 proteins were identified in the PM samples of H. illucen, of which 177 proteins were predicted to contain signal peptides, bioinformatics analysis and manual curation determined 88 proteins may be associated with the PM, with functions in digestion, immunity, PM modulation, and others. The ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM observed by scanning electron microscopy shows a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture. Conclusions It is the first and most comprehensive proteomics research about the PM of H. illucens larvae to date. All the proteins identified in this work has been discussed in details, except several unnamed or uncharacterized proteins, which should not be ignored and need further study. A comparison of the ultrastructure between H. illucens larval PM and those of other insects as observed by SEM indicates that the PM displays diverse textures on an ultra-micro scale and we suscept a unique diamond-shaped chitin grid texture may help H. illucens larval to hold more food. This work deepens our understanding of the molecular architecture and ultrastructure of the H. illucens larval PM.

Unpacking the Proteome and Metaproteome of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae: Efficacy and Complementarity of Multiple Protein Extraction Protocols

“…The morphological and transcriptomic analysis of the BSF larvae midgut has shown the unique digestive and transformative capabilities that helps them to adapt to different food substrates . Aligned with the findings from the present study, proteome analysis of BSF larval developmental stages revealed three physiological processes, including the insulin pathway for feed metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and immune regulatory pathways. , …”

“…25 Aligned with the findings from the present study, proteome analysis of BSF larval developmental stages revealed three physiological processes, including the insulin pathway for feed metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and immune regulatory pathways. 9,10 The gut metaproteomic analysis that was performed in this study also enabled some insight to the diversity of bacterial genera. Actinobacteria, and more specifically the Actinomycetia order, returned the largest number of peptides, and Proteobacteria was the second major contributor, with most peptides derived from the Gammaproteobacteria class.…”

“…Previous studies have reported the use of a hexane-based defatting step to remove the lipid prior to extracting the proteins with a urea-based lysis buffer followed by acetone precipitation and the sequential extraction (defatting followed by protein precipitation) of lipids and proteins from BSF larvae . Proteins have also been extracted directly with Tris–HCl lysis buffer containing urea, and urea plus thiourea and Tris–HCl from BSF larvae . Extraction buffers comprised of Tris–HCl and SDS have also been used to extract proteins from several insect species, including BSF larvae. , Proteins have been extracted either from the whole BSF larvae , or from the midgut following dissection .…”

Enhanced protein degradation by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) and its gut microbes

“…The proteome of the BSFL peripheral matrix revealed that BSFL gut protein digestion mainly relies on proteases. BSFL gut protein digestion enzymes mainly include trypsin and peptidase ( Lin et al, 2021 ). Pepsin is rarely found in insect guts.…”

Methanol extract of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae against Aeromonas and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in vitro and in silico

“…Larvae were harvested during the prepupae period at the age of 25 days. Larvae were reared at a temperature of 33°C–40°C, with a relative humidity of 60%–70% ( Lin et al , 2021 ). BSF prepupae were washed ( Fig.…”