• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.64-74
• /
• 2015

Beetles Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis Kolbe (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) and Allomyrina dichotoma Linn. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are widely used in traditional medicine, and the number of insect-rearing farms is increasing in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to establish a multiplex PCR-based assay for rapid simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens causing insect diseases. Six insect parasites such as fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae), Pseudomonas aeruginosa Migula (Pseudomonadales: Pseudomonadaceae), and Serratia marcescens Bizio (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae), and Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus were chosen based on the severity and incidence rate of insect diseases in South Korea. Pathogen-specific primers were designed and successfully applied for simultaneous detection of multiple infectious agents in farm-bred insects P. b. seulensis and A. dichotoma using multiplex PCR and high resolution capillary electrophoresis. Our results indicate that multiplex PCR is an effective and time-saving method for simultaneous detection of multiple infections in insects, and the QIAxcel capillary electrophoresis system is useful for quantitative evaluation of the individual impact of each infectious agent on the severity of insect disease. The approach designed in this study can be utilized for rapid and accurate diagnostics of infection in insect farms.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.813-830
• /
• 2020

In this study, the potential of infrared assisted freeze-drying (IRAFD) was tested for the production of shelf-stable edible insects: Protaetia brevitarsis larva (larva of white-spotted flower chafer). The IRAFD system was customized using an infrared lamp, K-type thermocouple, controller, and data acquisition system. The infrared lamp provided the sublimation energy for rapid freeze-drying (FD). The IRAFD conditions were continuous IRAFD-5.0 kW/㎡ and IRAFD-5.0 kW/㎡ at different weight reduction (WR) (10%, 20%, and 30%). The continuous IRAFD reduced the drying time to 247 min compared to the 2,833 min duration of FD (p<0.05). The electrical energy could be reduced by more than 90% through infrared radiation during FD (p<0.05). The Page model resulted in the best prediction among the tested drying kinetic models. In terms of quality, IRAFD showed significantly lower hardness, chewiness, and higher protein levels than hot air drying and FD (p<0.05). IRAFD better preserved the glutamic acid (6.30-7.29 g/100 g) and proline (3.84-5.54 g/100 g). The external product appearance after IRAFD exhibited more air pockets and volume expansion, which might result in a good consumer appeal. In conclusion, this study reports the potential of IRAFD in producing shelf-stable and value-added edible insects.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.261-267
• /
• 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae fed on fermented oak sawdust (FOS) or spent mushroom substrates (SMS, Pleurotus eryngii). Total polyphenol content was 32% higher in extracts of larvae fed on SMS (P. eryngii) (75.33±0.43 mg GAE/g) than in extracts of larvae fed on FOS (57.02±1.73 mg GAE/g). The flavonoid content of extracts of larvae grown on FOS and SMS (P. eryngii) was 24.6±0.28 mg/g and 25.4±0.75 mg/g, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity increased in an extract concentration-dependent manner, and the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract of larvae produced on SMS (P. eryngii) was higher than that of the larvae produced on FOS. The reducing power of the larval extracts produced on FOS and SMS (P. eryngii) increased in an extract concentration-dependent manner, but there was no significant difference between them. The extract of larvae fed on SMS (P. eryngii) (66.55±0.99 uM TE/g) had a higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) than extracts of larvae grown on FOS (76.32±0.48 uM TE/g). The effect of larval extracts on cell proliferation was investigated using a WST-1 (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate) assay on RAW 264.7 cells. When cells were treated with larval extracts produced on FOS and SMS (P. eryngii) at concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 40, and 64 mg/ml, RAW 264.7 cells proliferated at 90% or more. Therefore, larval extracts produced on FOS and SMS (P. eryngii) were not toxic to RAW 264.7 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.11
• /
• pp.1218-1226
• /
• 2019

The white-spotted flower chafer Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis is a medicinally beneficial and important edible insect species. We previously performed an in silico analysis of the Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis transcriptome to identify putative antimicrobial peptides and then tested their antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. These peptides had potent antimicrobial activities against bacteria and yeast without inducing hemolysis. In the present study, the cationic antimicrobial peptide, protaetiamycine 2, was selected for further assessment of its anti-inflammatory properties in mouse macrophage Raw264.7 cells. Protaetiamycine 2 treatment of Raw264.7 cells suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide production and reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, as determined by real-time PCR and western blotting. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$) was also attenuated through the MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling. We also confirmed that protaetiamycine 2 bound to bacterial cell membranes by a specific interaction with LPS. Collectively, these data obtained from LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells indicated that protaetiamycine 2 could have both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.61 no.4
• /
• pp.555-562
• /
• 2022

We raised the white-spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, from the larvae stage using a fermented mulberry sawdust-base diet at 25℃ and 16:8 h light:dark photoperiod. First, we determined the optimal density of the neonate larvae to be introduced into a rearing box (543 × 363 × 188 mm). The survival rates of the larvae were higher than 80% at 90 days after rearing at 100-175 larval densities but reduced by more than 10% at 200 larval density. The larval weights at 100 to 150 larval densities were similar; however, the weights at 175 and 200 larval densities were lower than those at 100 larval densities, indicating that the rate of weight gain increased under lower density. Based on these results, we inferred that 100-150 larvae was the optimal density. Second, we investigated the storage conditions of the last instar larvae under low temperatures. Four weight groups (1.8-2.0, 2.0-2.3, 2.3-2.5, and 2.5 g) of larvae were stored at 4, 8, and 10℃, respectively. All the larvae at 4℃ died 70 days after storage, whereas 80% of the larvae survived at 8℃ 70 days after storage, indicating that high larval weight was associated with high survival rates. The adults that emerged from larvae with more than 2.3 g and stored for up to 50 days at 4℃ laid few eggs. However, the adults that emerged from all larval weight groups stored for 70 days at 8℃ and 10℃ laid several eggs successfully. Based on these results, we inferred that the last instar larvae with more than 2.3 g could be stored for 30-50 days at 8℃.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.61 no.2
• /
• pp.377-385
• /
• 2022

Most pruning branches of mulberry, Korean raspberry (bokbunja), and blueberries are discarded without use. These discarded pruning branches were utilized as feed in the investigation of the development and oviposition characteristics of Protaetia brevitarsis with a focus on breeding possibilities. It was observed that the developmental period of P. brevitarsis larvae fed with berry fermented sawdust from mulberry, bokbunja, and blueberry was shortened to 157.3 130.3 days, and 140 days, respectively, compared to 169.3 days for those fed with oak fermented sawdust. The weight and survival rate of the larvae also increased. Under all three types of fermented sawdust feed, the percentage of larvae with weight ≧ 2.5 g during the group was over 60% between 6-8 weeks after hatching; however under oak fermented sawdust feed, it was within 10%, and the percentage only increased after 10 weeks. The average number of eggs laid per female was ≧ 80, with an average oviposition period of approximately 9 weeks; however, there was no significant difference owing to the large deviation per individual. Furthermore, mixed fermented sawdust from the three berries enhanced the growth rate of larvae, and there was no difference in the number of eggs laid compared to those fed with control oak fermented sawdust. Our study demonstrates berry fermentation sawdust is just as effective as oak fermentation sawdust in the breeding of P. brevitarsis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.158-165
• /
• 2009

The aim of this study was to clarify the origins of grubs which were used in the experiments, and to determine many other effects that are now written in the classical medical and herbal books. We compared the efficacy of grubs written in the herbal and medical books on the one hand, and studied the origins of grubs used in the experiments, on the other hand. The following results were obtained. There are three kinds of grub species for medicinal uses. Holorichia diomphalia Bates mainly produced in China, Cetoniidae species mainly produced in Korea, and Protaeria brevitarsis in Korean folk remedy are three species. Grubs were used in 25 experiments. Of these experiments, Holotrichia diomphalia were used 12 times, Larve of Protaeria brevitarsis 3 times, and Protaetia orientalis was used once. So, of total 25 experiments, 36%(9 experiments) did not clarify the origins of grubs used in the experiments. Currently, the grubs, which are imported from China and used in Korea, are Holotrichia diomphalia Bates from China. Current experimental study shows that grubs have efficacy for protecting liver. So the use of grubs in folk medicine is believed to be based on the scientific evidence. Efficacy of grubs, though it is not recorded in the medical books, has the effects of anti-cancer(anti-tumor), antioxidant, and anti-diabetes mellitus. The ingredients of Holotrichia are protein, peptide, fat, enzyme, mineral, and other several nutrients. Study on the grubs so far has a tendency to be done with little focus on the differen of origin of grubs. So, from now on, it needs that the origin of grubs be clarified, and the study on the efficacy from each origin be done. Considering the effects that the classical herbal books have recorded, it is necessary that more profound study proceed to prevent and treat diseases on eyes and ears, on the basis of the fact that grub has multiple ingredients to replenish the vital essence.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.62 no.3
• /
• pp.183-191
• /
• 2023

After examining the temperature change in berry sawdust during the fermentation period and the developmental characteristics of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae according to the fermentation period, it was found that the fermentation speed was faster than with oak sawdust and a fermentation period of 50-70 days was the most suitable for larval growth. During the fermentation period, the temperature change in sawdust was quickly fermented as berry sawdust passed a high temperature of more than 60℃ in the early stages of fermentation compared to fermentation speed of oak sawdust, and stabilized within 60 days. In individual breeding, the total growth period of P. brevitarsis larvae by fermentation period was the longest at 104.8 days after fermentation for 30 days, which was a significant difference. There was no difference in the growth period between 50 and 90 days of fermentation. Oak sawdust tended to be the same as berry sawdust, but the larval development period was approximately 30 days. The developmental period by larval stage differed greatly between berries and oak sawdust. The weight of larvae according to the fermentation period of sawdust was the lowest after 90 days of fermentation, with a long fermentation period for both berry and oak sawdust, and there was no difference in the 30-70 days fermentation periods. The survival rate was more than 95% in individual breeding, and there was no difference among the fermentation periods. However, in group breeding, the survival rate was lower than that of individual breeding and was lowest at 90 days of fermentation. In group breeding, the ratio of larvae weighing ≥ 2.5 g, which is the standard for shipment, was 85% after 30-70 days of fermentation of berry sawdust, but was lower at 70% after 90 days of fermentation, which was a significant difference. The survival rate with oak sawdust showed the same trend, which was approximately 10% lower than that with sawdust. In addition, the larvae from the berry sawdust weighed > 2.5 g in 40-60 days, while it took 75-105 days with oak-fermented sawdust.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.10
• /
• pp.784-791
• /
• 2022

This study observed changes in the body composition of Protaetia brevitarsis sinulensis larvae when reared with feed that included noni and nipa palm. Compared to the control group, the death rate and product yield of the treatment group were improved after the larval fasting process. The brightness of the larval powder of the treatment group increased, but the redness decreased. The crude fat content of the treated group was slightly increased according to the assays of the general components, but the mineral content was significantly increased. The total structural amino acids of the treatment group decreased, but the total free amino acids increased. The structural amino acids generally tended to decrease in the treatment group. However, the free amino acids showed no specific differences. Among the free amino acids, tryptophan, phosphoserine, and methylhistidine were highly increased in the treatment group, whereas threonine, methionine, and asparagine showed the opposite results. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) of omega-3 was increased in the treatment group, but the omega-6 series was decreased. Since minerals, total free amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment group were increased compared to the control group, we suggest that noni and nipa palm can potentially be applied to the production of functionally improved substances as additional sources of feed for Protaetia brevitarsis sinulensis larvae.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.10
• /
• pp.1164-1170
• /
• 2017

Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBL) has recently been registered as a temporary food in Korea, and this study evaluated the application potential of PBL proteins as health functional food materials. Protein hydrolysates were prepared from PBL powder by enzymatic hydrolysis using five different proteases (alcalase, bromelain, flavourzyme, neutrase, and papain), and based on the results from the peptide content and SDS-PAGE analyses, PBL treated with alcalase or flavourzyme showed a high degree of hydrolysis (HD) value, whereas the HD value of those treated with neutrase, bromelain, or papain was minimal. The protein hydrolysates showing a high HD value were separated further into the fractions of >3 kDa and <3 kDa by a centrifugal filter system and then lyophilized, and according to the $RC_{50}$ values of the protein hydrolysates (<3 kDa) obtained from three different antioxidant analyses; the alcalase hydrolysates showed the highest antioxidant activity. Therefore, the alcalase hydrolysates were tested further for their inhibitory effects on the peroxidation of linoleic acid by measuring the thiobarbituric acid values. The results showed that the peroxidation of untreated linoleic acid increased dramatically during 6 days of incubation, but a pretreatment with the hydrolysates ($100{\sim}800{\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited the linoleic acid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner for 6 days. Our current studies are focused on the identification of active peptide sequences from alcalase hydrolysates.