incrEAsing the immune peRformaNce of black soldier fly larvae: an INNOVATIve and sustainable OpportuNity for the feed market (EARN-INNOVATION)

The main objective of the project was to enhance the immune performance of black soldier fly larvae through nutritional and immunological strategies. Particular attention was devoted to understanding the interactions among diet composition, gut microbiota, and immune responses, with the aim of improving larval health, resistance to infections during mass rearing, and the production of antimicrobial compounds. The project also sought to identify sustainable feed formulations based on industrial by-products that could improve insect performance without negatively affecting growth or product quality.
Expected results included the identification of optimal dietary conditions for immune enhancement, the characterization of gut microbial communities associated with different diets, the elucidation of molecular pathways involved in immune activation, and the development of innovative immunostimulatory approaches capable of increasing antimicrobial peptide (AMPs) production.
In detail, two optimized protein-to-carbohydrate dietary formulations were identified, demonstrating beneficial effects on larval growth and immune competence. Protein-rich diets significantly enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses, including haemocyte activity, lysozyme production, and AMPs expression. The study also revealed that diet strongly influences gut microbiota composition, identifying bacterial groups with potential probiotic functions. Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses clarified the tissue-specific immune responses triggered by bacterial infections, while innovative treatments successfully enhanced systemic immune activation and antimicrobial activity.
Overall, the project generated valuable scientific outputs and practical innovations that support the development of resilient, sustainable, and economically viable insect-based feed production systems.