A cell line derived from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

Abstract

Insect cell lines are effective tools used in industry and academia. For example, they are used in screening potential insecticides, in making certain proteins for biomedical applications, and in basic research into insect biology. So far, there are no cell lines derived from the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (BSF). This may become an issue because BSFs are employed in a range of industrial and household processes. BSFs are used in producing biodiesel, in developing cosmetics and skin creams, and in the production of some medicines and animal feeds. BSF larvae process waste streams from a variety of sources into food for some animals and are also used in household composting. Our BSF cell line, designated BCIRL-HiE0122021-SGS, was developed from eggs using the medium CLG#2 (50% L-15 + 50% EX-CELL 420, with 9% FBS and antibiotics), with many other media being tested. This cell line consists of attached cells with a variety of morphologies and its identity was authenticated using CO1 barcoding. A growth curve was generated and the resulting doubling time was 118 h. We quantified the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) and recorded the expected range of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAMEs, with only trace levels of lauric acid being noted. The BSF cell line is available free of charge by request.