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Testing Analytical Methods for Antibiotic Detection in Tenebrio molitor Larvae: A Controlled Feeding Trial
Tomke Asendorf1, Christine Wind2, Andreas Vilcinskas3,4
1State Institute for Chemical Analysis and Veterinary Diagnostics Freiburg, Am Moosweiher 2, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Existing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods can detect antibiotic residues in edible insects, crucial for ensuring food safety. This study validates these methods for insect matrices, paving the way for better monitoring of sustainable protein sources.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Entomology
Background:
- Edible insects are emerging as sustainable protein sources, necessitating stringent food safety standards comparable to conventional animal products.
- Monitoring for pharmacologically active substances, such as antibiotics, is essential for ensuring the safety of insects intended for consumption.
- Validated analytical methods for detecting antibiotic residues in insect matrices are currently lacking, hindering effective food safety monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of existing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, validated for animal products, for detecting antibiotics in edible insects.
- To establish a reproducible model for future feeding trials investigating antibiotic residues in insect farming.
Main Methods:
- Tenebrio molitor larvae were fed wheat flour fortified with specific concentrations of tiamulin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin.
- Antibiotic homogeneity and stability in the feed were confirmed prior to administration.
- Larval samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS after seven days of feeding and a subsequent 24-hour fasting period.
Main Results:
- All three tested antibiotics (tiamulin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin) were successfully detected in Tenebrio molitor larvae.
- Residue concentrations decreased significantly after a 24-hour fasting period, indicating the potential for depletion.
- Qualitative detection confirmed the applicability of existing LC-MS/MS methods to insect matrices.
Conclusions:
- Existing LC-MS/MS methods validated for conventional animal products are applicable for detecting antibiotic residues in edible insect matrices.
- The study provides a proof of concept for antibiotic residue detection in insects, highlighting the need for further comprehensive validation.
- Findings support the development of expanded testing methods to address potential antibiotic misuse in insect farming and ensure food safety.
