Secondary products and bioactive compounds of Hermetia illucens: Extraction, chemical properties, and potential application of antimicrobial peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short protein molecules that have emerged as promising alternatives for combating drug-resistant infections. These molecules are integral components of innate immunity, offering broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs are naturally produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, serving as competitive tools or defense mechanisms, respectively. Classified based on their source, activity, and structural features, AMPs exhibit diverse physicochemical properties but share common characteristics, such as optimal hydrophobicity and charge density, which influence their efficacy. Advanced transcriptomic approaches have facilitated the identification of novel AMPs from organisms such as Hermetia illucens, unlocking potential applications in veterinary and human medicine, agriculture, food safety, and beyond. However, optimizing H. illucens production to enhance AMP levels, improve their activity, and overcome processing and digestibility challenges is crucial. Despite significant progress, further research is essential to optimize their use and scalability for clinical and commercial purposes.