The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is a promising species for transforming organic waste into valuable products such as animal feed and fertilizer. Optimizing BSF larvae (BSFL) to process diverse waste streams and improve bioconversion efficiency could further enhance their environmental and economic impact. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host immunity, digestion, and overall health, presenting an opportunity for precision engineering through targeted microbial supplementation.
This study aims to enhance BSFL growth and waste valorization by supplementing their diet with specific probiotic microbes. We investigate the effects of two microbial strains added as probiotics, assessing their potential to improve BSFL growth and waste reduction. The impact of probiotics on the host is evaluated using data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics, with a particular focus on changes in immune-related protein expression. Additionally, shifts in the gut microbiome composition are analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing to understand microbial dynamics associated with probiotic supplementation.
Probiotics were delivered to BSFL using alginate-based gel beads containing specific microbial cultures. Four experimental groups were tested: a control (no beads), empty beads, and two probiotic formulations consisting of microbes isolated from the BSF gut. Larvae were inoculated at the first instar and monitored for 14 days. DIA proteomics and 16S sequencing were performed to assess host responses and microbiome alterations.
Larvae supplemented with probiotics exhibited a 15–25% increase in weight and improved feeding rates compared to controls. Proteomic analysis revealed differential expression of immune-related proteins, including antimicrobial proteins. Microbiome analysis further confirmed shifts in microbial communities associated with improved larval performance.
This study highlights the potential of probiotic supplementation as a scalable and effective strategy for optimizing BSFL performance. By integrating proteomic and microbiome analyses, our findings contribute to the development of precision microbiome engineering approaches for sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy applications.