Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced on the basis of biogenic material flows using feeder insects such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The breeding of the insects is based on regional material flows from agricultural and food production in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main metropolitan region.



Recent own proof of concept studies showed a strong inhibitory effect of individual AMPs on gram-negative food pathogens in model matrices. Therefore, they could contribute to minimize spoilage of food and feed and reduce the risk of foodborne infections and intoxications for consumers and livestock. The product safety and shelf life of food and feed should be significantly improved by the addition of natural AMPs.



Insect AMPs can be integrated into current food production processes and value chains by having a bactericidal effect on gram-negative hygiene germs, while at the same time not negatively affecting the (gram-positive) starter cultures used in the food industry.



The AMPs are to be obtained either directly by extraction from insects or recombinantly by heterologous expression of the most promising representatives. Feasibility studies will be carried out in complex food and feed systems and the AMPs will be established as a new family of substances for the preservation of food and feed. A comprehensive analysis of the preservative activity of BSF-AMPs in various food and feed systems, as well as their technological and sensory properties, is planned.



J. Jerschow-Schaumann, T. Timm, G. Lochnit, M. Ruehl, H. Zorn (Fraunhofer Gießen / JLU Gießen): “Antimicrobial peptides from Hermetia illucens for the preservation of food and feed” at the 2024 workshop of the Society for Food Chemistry; specialist group in the GDCh; Southwest regional association. March 5th – 6th, 2024. Kaiserslautern.

 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381168061_Antimicrobial_Peptide_aus_Hermetia_illucens_zur_Konservierung_von_Lebens-_und_Futtersmittel