Biodegradation of expanded polystyrene by mealworm larvae under different feeding strategies evaluated by metabolic profiling using GC-TOF-MS

Tsochatzis, Emmanouil D.; Berggreen, I.E.; Nørgaard, J.V.; Theodoridis, Georgios; Dalsgaard, Trine Kastrup

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130840

Cited by 37 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…G. mellonella larvae have been shown that they retain the capacity to metabolize polyethylene when their gut microbiome activity is suppressed (Kong et al, 2019). In addition, Brandon et al (2021) and Tsochatzis et al (2021) provide evidence that insect larvae secrete emulsifying factors or enzymes that mediate plastic biodegradation. These studies indicate that using insect larvae to degrade plastic is a complex system in which the larvae host and its gut microbiome collaborate to work.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Polystyrene-Degrading Bacteria From the Gut of Galleria Mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Jiang

Zhao

et al. 2021

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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Polystyrene (PS) is a widely used petroleum-based plastic, that pollutes the environment because it is difficult to degrade. In this study, a PS degrading bacterium identified as Massilia sp. FS1903 was successfully isolated from the gut of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae that were fed with PS foam. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry showed that the structure and morphology of the PS film was destroyed by FS 1903, and that more oxygen appeared on the degraded PS film. A water contact angle assay verified the chemical change of the PS film from initially hydrophobic to hydrophilic after degradation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further demonstrated that more oxygen-containing functional groups were generated during PS degradation. After 30 days of bacterial stain incubation with 0.15 g PS, 80 ml MSM, 30°C and PS of Mn 64400 and Mw 144400 Da, the weight of the PS film significantly decreased, with 12.97 ± 1.05% weight loss. This amount of degradation exceeds or is comparable to that previously reported for other species of bacteria reported to degrade PS. These results show that Massilia sp. FS1903 can potentially be used to degrade PS waste.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Polystyrene-Degrading Bacteria From the Gut of Galleria Mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Jiang

Zhao

et al. 2021

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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“…A study by Tsochatzis et al [72] showed that mealworms can be used to degrade plastics when reared on plastics, barley and water. The results indicated that plastic compounds do not bioaccumulate in mealworms and that a very low content is released into the frass.…”

Section: Waste Management and Plasticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Yellow Mealworm and Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Feed and Food Production in Europe, with Emphasis on Iceland

Thrastardottir

Olafsdottir

Thorarinsdottir

2021

Foods

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Insects are part of the diet of over 2 billion people worldwide; however, insects have not been popular in Europe, neither as food nor as a feed ingredient. This has been changing in recent years, due to increased knowledge regarding the nutritional benefits, the need for novel protein production and the low environmental impact of insects compared to conventional protein production. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of the most popular insects farmed in Europe, yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, and black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, together with the main obstacles and risks. A comprehensive literature study was carried out and 27 insect farming companies found listed in Europe were contacted directly. The results show that the insect farming industry is increasing in Europe, and the success of the frontrunners is based on large investments in technology, automation and economy of scale. The interest of venture capital firms is noticeable, covering 90% of the investment costs in some cases. It is concluded that insect farming in Europe is likely to expand rapidly in the coming years, offering new proteins and other valuable products, not only as a feed ingredient, but also for human consumption. European regulations have additionally been rapidly changing, with more freedom towards insects as food and feed. There is an increased knowledge regarding safety concerns of edible insects, and the results indicate that edible insects pose a smaller risk for zoonotic diseases than livestock. However, knowledge regarding risk posed by edible insects is still lacking, but food and feed safety is essential to put products on the European market.

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“…Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic polymer extensively used for the production of food packaging contact materials (FCMs) due to its low cost, durability and mechanical properties [2]. Its large production and low recycling rates result in high potential for its accumulation in the environment, with risks for the survival of wildlife and detrimental effects on human health [3,4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is an increasing interest in the biodegradation of plastics, by microbial activity or specific enzymatic activity. In particular, studies have reported the potential degradation of PS using different insects: mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) [4][5][6][7][8][9][10], superworms…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Metabolomics studies have revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, in both the bulk insects' biomass and frass, such as long-chain fatty acids, esters and amides. Furthermore, it has been shown that alteration in feeding affects the ratio of these compounds, with several long-chain acids, in addition to hydrocarbons, present in connection with the presence of PS and its degradation [4,6,7]. The addition of PS to the diet causes the insects to experience metabolic stress, in comparison to a control diet [4,6,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gut Microbiome and Degradation Product Formation during Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene by Mealworm Larvae under Different Feeding Strategies

et al. 2021

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Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic polymer extensively used for food packaging. PS is difficult to decompose and has low recycling rates, resulting in its accumulation in the environment, in the form of microplastic particles causing pollution and harming oceans and wildlife. Degradation of PS by mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) has been suggested as a possible biological strategy for plastic contamination; however, the biodegradation mechanism of PS by mealworms is poorly understood. It is hypothesized that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the degradation of PS by mealworms. This study carried out a comparative analysis of the gut microbiome of Tenebrio molitor larvae under different feeding strategies, and of the formation of degradation compounds (monomers, oligomers). A diet of bran:PS at 4:1 and 20:1 ratios was tested. The diet with the low ratio of bran:PS led to the presence of higher amounts of these compounds, compared to that with the high ratio. In addition, it was demonstrated that the addition of H2O significantly improved the biodegradation of PS monomer and oligomer residues, which could be identified only in the frass. The protein and nitrogen contents in insects’ biomass and frass varied amongst treatments. The diets resulted in differences in the gut microbiota, and three potential bacterial strains were identified as candidates involved in the biodegradation of PS.

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Biodegradation of expanded polystyrene by mealworm larvae under different feeding strategies evaluated by metabolic profiling using GC-TOF-MS

Cited by 37 publications

References 37 publications

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Polystyrene-Degrading Bacteria From the Gut of Galleria Mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Polystyrene-Degrading Bacteria From the Gut of Galleria Mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Yellow Mealworm and Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Feed and Food Production in Europe, with Emphasis on Iceland

Gut Microbiome and Degradation Product Formation during Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene by Mealworm Larvae under Different Feeding Strategies

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