Insects have a special role in the development of biotechnology. They are typically ecologically dominant and the most diverse class of animals on Earth. Valuable traits such as resilience against diseases and more are of particular interest. Studying insect proteins has made significant contributions across industries.
Microbiomes, miniature ecosystems for microorganisms such as bacteria, are especially complex in insects. The symbiotic (friendly) microorganisms living in insects protect them in ways that can benefit human agriculture and more.
Green (Plant) Biotechnology is used to produce herbicides for weeds, while insects are a priority target for pesticides. Studying their immunity allows the development of crops that kill the insects trying to feed on them. Transforming their larvae (babies) into parasitoids that kill other insects is another approach.
Adding incompatible insects to an environment is another strategy. This is the application of sterile insects that mate with females but produce non-viable eggs. With consistent release, the population drops significantly.
Limiting diseases is possible via insects on farms. Insects are genetically modified to be able to destroy the disease.
Human pathogens become increasingly difficult to fight using Red (Medicinal) Biotechnology. They develop immunity to man-made compounds and become more complex.
Insects are a modern source of antimicrobial substances able to fight recurring diseases. They kill microorganisms on a broad spectrum without harming mammalian cells. Eating specific insects is a form of traditional medication.
Insects use bioactive metabolites, substances that serve metabolic functions, that have great clinical potential. The destruction of parasites and even cancer is possible.
Insect enzymes are used when crafting vaccines. This requires a higher investment compared to other vaccine manufacturing but is fast, effective, safe, and easy to produce on a large scale. (Baresatgui et al. 2016)
Around the world, especially tropical countries, insect farms are being utilized as a healthy alternative food source. Insects are rich in proteins and other micronutrients valuable to humans and animals. This is a circular food economy because edible insects feed on organic and industrial waste.
The meat industry is known to require abundant agricultural land. Insect farms are more efficient at providing the same animal proteins and more. The use of insect oils and protein powders is increasingly popular. (Mancini et al. 2022)
View my Privacy Policy here.
Berasategui, A., Shukla, S., Salem, H., & Kaltenpoth, M. (2016). Potential applications of insect symbionts in biotechnology. Applied microbiology and Biotechnology, 100(4), 1567–1577. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-015-7186-9
Tanga C. M., Egonyu, J. P., Beesigamukama, D., Niassy, S., Emily, K., Magara, H. J., Omuse, E. R., Subramanian, S., & Ekesi, p. (2021). Edible insect farming as an emerging and profitable enterprise in East Africa. Current opinion in Insect Science, 48, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2021.09.007
Mancini, S., Sogari, G., Espinosa Diaz, S., Menozzi, D., Paci, G., & Moruzzo, R. (2022). Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 455. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030455