Gold Nanoparticle Uptake and Distribution in the Digestive Tract of Hermetia illucens Stratiomyidae: Diptera (L.1758) Based on Transmission Electron Microscopy

This study investigated the interaction of gold nano partilcles with the digestive tract of the black soldier larva, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For this study an overall of 30 Hermetia illucens was bread at 28°C to 30°C at a moisture content of 70% to 80% with a diet based on cow manure. The study showed that gold nanoparticles were absorbed into different cells and were not treated as foreign particles. A gold nanoparticle accumulation was found in some goblet like cells. Gold nanoparticles were able to pass the peritrophic membrane and enter the gut epithelial cells.