Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Tenebrio molitor is one of largest insects and whose larva is consumed as food sources in many countries. Nutritional composition of Tenebrio molitor has been studied recently and contains high proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and valuable minerals. However, the bio-activity of Tenebrio molitor has not been fully understood. We examined the effect of Tenebrio molitor on resistance to oxidative stress and organism�s lifespan using C. elegans as a model system. The response to heat shock and ultraviolet irradiation was also monitored in vivo. The extracts from Tenebrio molitor showed significant effects on resistance to oxidative stress and ultraviolet irradiation and extends both mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans. Number of progeny produced was also significantly increased in animals supplemented with the Tenebrio molitor extracts. In addition, the expression of longevity assurance genes, hsp-16.2 and sod-3, was markedly up-regulated by the supplementation with the Tenebrio molitor extracts. These findings suggest that Tenebrio molitor can affect organism�s response to stressors and extend lifespan via the induction of longevity assurance genes in C. elegans.

Biography

Seong-Min Won has obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Department of Medical Biotechnology at Soonchunhyang University in 2015. She has been working on the research project focusing on the bioactivities of the Tenebrio molitor extracts since she was an undergraduate student. She has joined the graduate school at Soonchunhyang University in 2015 and started her own research projects for her Master’s degree.

Email: dnjs-tjdals@hanmail.net