Building a molecular toolkit for gene editing and transgenesis in the farmed insect black soldier fly
File(s)
Author(s)
Fawcett, James Daniel
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Current agricultural methods are expected to fall short in addressing food security threats, with a pressing need for higher yields and greater resilience to climate variability. A promising solution for sustainable food security is the revalorization of food waste. Insect-based bioremediation is an innovative approach to tackling food waste, with several insect species demonstrating exceptional efficiency in converting low-value waste into valuable resources. The black soldier fly (BSF) stands out for its ability to effectively process waste into energy-dense larvae suitable for animal feed. Beyond this, BSF holds potential for producing fertilizers, biofuels, and many other valuable products, attracting interest from a burgeoning insect farming industry.
While black soldier fly is already an efficient farmed insect, a need exists for enabling technologies that allow for genetic optimization towards desirable traits, such as larger weight and shorter development times. However, foundational research is necessary to develop more refined tools for genetic manipulation in BSF. The endogenous application of the CRISPR gene editing system could be particularly beneficial, streamlining the validation of advantageous mutant genotypes and accelerating the improvement of desirable traits.
In this study, a molecular toolkit was developed for BSF to enable CRISPR production from an endogenous transgenic source, aimed at enhancing gene editing efficiency and accessibility for both the research and commercial sectors. This toolkit included the development and optimization of an efficient genetic transduction method, the embryo microinjection technique, which has yet to be thoroughly documented in the literature. Overall, this project aimed to build on the molecular toolkit currently available to BSF researchers, enabling more complex genetic investigation and manipulations to drive the development of novel, optimised BSF breeding lines. Enhancing the genetic potential of this insect could provide significant benefits as an innovative solution for managing food waste and strengthening sustainable food security.
While black soldier fly is already an efficient farmed insect, a need exists for enabling technologies that allow for genetic optimization towards desirable traits, such as larger weight and shorter development times. However, foundational research is necessary to develop more refined tools for genetic manipulation in BSF. The endogenous application of the CRISPR gene editing system could be particularly beneficial, streamlining the validation of advantageous mutant genotypes and accelerating the improvement of desirable traits.
In this study, a molecular toolkit was developed for BSF to enable CRISPR production from an endogenous transgenic source, aimed at enhancing gene editing efficiency and accessibility for both the research and commercial sectors. This toolkit included the development and optimization of an efficient genetic transduction method, the embryo microinjection technique, which has yet to be thoroughly documented in the literature. Overall, this project aimed to build on the molecular toolkit currently available to BSF researchers, enabling more complex genetic investigation and manipulations to drive the development of novel, optimised BSF breeding lines. Enhancing the genetic potential of this insect could provide significant benefits as an innovative solution for managing food waste and strengthening sustainable food security.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-11-11
Date Awarded
01/10/2025
Advisor
Windbichler, Nikolai
Meccariello, Angela
Farrugia, Thomas
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Beta Bugs (Firm)
Grant Number
2505622
Publisher Department
Department of Life Sciences
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)