Insect Derived Lauric Acid as Promising Alternative Strategy to Antibiotics in the Antimicrobial Resistance Scenario

Abstract

Antibiotic misuse is greatly contributing to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. Natural and synthetic alternative strategies are being investigated in human and veterinary medicine, but little attention is paid to the antimicrobial effects of edible lipids, such as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and monoglycerides. Among MCFAs, lauric acid (LA) and its monoglyceride derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), exhibit the strongest antimicrobial activity. Coconut and palm kernel oils are considered the main sources of LA. On the other hand, some edible insects (e.g., Hermetia illucens) are gaining interest as novel feed ingredients, due to the high amount of LA they contain as well as their numerous bioactive components, which provide many additional benefits to animal health. Although the beneficial effect of both MCFAs and LA is gradually being recognized, their high content within insects and, consequently, their possible role as antimicrobials, has not been well-reported. This mini review focuses on the anti-infective effects of the insect-derived MCFAs LA and its derivatives. We emphasize the potential of insect lipids, compared to the other vegetable sources, in the current global scenario where a sustainable and circular economy is required. Finally, we critically discuss the use and the benefits of edible insects such as favorable options as feed and food from the perspective of animal and human nutrition.

Impact of Diets Including Agro-Industrial By-Products on the Fatty Acid and Sterol Profiles of Larvae Biomass from Ephestia kuehniella, Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens

“…Lauric acid was reported as source of energy for fish feeding, resulting in a reduction in lipids in the liver [35]. Indeed, lauric acid is among the medium-chain fatty acids that can modulate intestinal health by regulating the level of IL-6 and TNF-α, and might contribute to appetite reduction [36]. Overall, irrespective of the type of diet, the concentration of total fatty acids in H. illucens larvae was dominated by saturated fatty acids (SFAs; 74%), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; up to 12%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; up to 14%).…”

Suitability of Hermetia illucens larvae meal and fat in broiler diets: effects on animal performance, apparent ileal digestibility, gut histology, and microbial metabolites

“…Besides, blending animal fats with vegetable oils may have synergistic effects, mainly arising from balanced ratios of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids [ 18 ]. Furthermore, MCFA, especially lauric acid, are ascribed a potentially favourable antimicrobial effect by disrupting the bacterial cell electron transport chain and consequently impairing the energy supply [ 12 , 19 , 20 ]. By influencing the microbial composition, effects of MCFA on the microbial fermentation profile can also result [ 21 ] and investigating microbial metabolites, such as biogenic amines and ammonia, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that derive from protein or carbohydrate fermentation, could provide knowledge about the effects of HI larvae fat.…”

Integrating Serum Metabolome and Gut Microbiome to Evaluate the Benefits of Lauric Acid on Lipopolysaccharide- Challenged Broilers

“…In poultry production, LA showed a strong ability to reduce the growth and colonization of pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium perfringens in chickens (7,8). Recently, it was reported that LA can be a promising alternative strategy to antibiotics in livestock nutrition (9). The possible mechanism is that LA has broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities (10).…”

“…The possible mechanism is that LA has broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities (10). It can penetrate bacterial cell membranes, destabilize their structures and cause cell lysis, and moreover, bacteria are unlikely to acquire resistance (9).…”