A potential insect antimicrobial of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) against pathogenic bacteria

Antimicrobial activity of black soldier fly larvae extract against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria has been discovered. Water-soluble extracts have the most potential and effectiveness as antimicrobials, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 25 mg/mL for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. BSF larvae also create peptides called defensins and cecropins, which have antibacterial properties. Defensins were the best and most effective peptides in inhibiting bacterial growth, inhibiting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (MIC value = > 29.97 μM), while cecropins were more effective on gram-negative bacteria (MIC value= 0.52 - 2.07 μM) than gram-positive bacteria (MIC value not detected).