MAP: microwave-assisted extraction of fatty acids and Py/GC/MS analysis of selected insects

A Microwave-Assisted Process (MAP) solvent extraction procedure was used in conjunction with GC/MS analysis to investigate the chemical composition of dried silkworm, dried earthworm, silkworm droppings, and cicada nymph skin. Selected insect samples were also analyzed by pyrolysis-GC-MS. Silkworm and earthworm generated fatty acids, sterols and phenol derivatives. Cicada nymph skin was analyzed by pyrolysis/GC/MS and generated mainly heterocyclic compounds. The data indicated that insects can retain environmental contaminants such as 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl phenol (BHT) and as such could be used as biological indicators. In addition, some of the therapeutic characteristics associated with insects could be attributed to the chemicals ingested from plant sources.