Hermetia illucens as a source of antimicrobial peptides – a review of in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the focus of this manuscript, as bioconservative molecules that constitute a major defense mechanism in many organisms. Various antimicrobial peptides have been isolated and identified, but AMPs derived from Hermetia illucens (HI) will be the focus of this review. The review focuses mainly on cecropins, defensins, and attacins. Hermetia illucens is a remarkable organism adapted to life in a diverse, often highly polluted environment, and its resilience is largely attributed to AMPs. AMPs are active against many bacterial and fungal species and also act to induce the osmotic lysis of protozoa. They attack pathogenic microorganisms without damaging host cells in the process. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance of many bacterial strains in animal production, AMPs appear to be a tempting alternative as substances that limit and inhibit the growth and development of pathogens, as well as an option in veterinary medicine as potential substitutes for antibiotics, the administration of which must be limited in the European Union. The AMP content of HI larvae extracts, which determines their activity, depends on the larval diet and the solvent used. This review presents in vitro studies on the effects of AMPs from Hermetia illucens on microorganisms and in vivo studies on the potential of HI larvae meal as a feed supplement.