Aydin, Bilge; Aydoğan, Zeynep; Çağlar Yildirim, Özge; Yuca, Hafize; Arslan, Mehmet Enes; Atila, Alptuğ; Göger, Gamze; Demirci, Betül; Waiswa, Denis; Taşer, Ahmet

Edible insects are traditionally consumed in Uganda and are increasingly recognized as nutritionally valuable and environmentally sustainable food resources. In this study, the nutritional composition, chemical profiles, biological activities, and safety of three commonly consumed edible insects—Ruspolia differens (green and brown morphs) and Macrotermes nigeriensis—were comprehensively evaluated. Extraction yields differed markedly among species, with R. differens morphs showing substantially higher methanolic yields (46.74–48.93%) than M. nigeriensis (22.57%). Fatty acid analysis revealed oleic acid as the predominant component (42.2–44.1%), followed by palmitic and linoleic acids, indicating a lipid profile rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Volatile profiling demonstrated species-specific aroma signatures, with M. nigeriensis characterized by acetic acid and pyrazines, while R. differens morphs exhibited high levels of isovaleric acid and diverse aromatic compounds. Amino acid analysis showed that methanolic extracts generally contained higher concentrations and broader profiles than aqueous extracts, with taurine, glutamic acid, alanine, and ethanolamine as the dominant components. Elemental analysis by ICP–MS indicated appreciable levels of essential minerals (K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Se), while potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were detected at low and variable concentrations depending on species and morph. In enzyme inhibition assays, R. differens methanolic extracts exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibition (up to 88.16%), comparable to acarbose, whereas α-amylase and cholinesterase inhibition remained limited. Antioxidant activity was moderate, with M. nigeriensis aqueous extract showing the highest DPPH• and ABTS•⁺ scavenging capacities among samples. Antimicrobial activity was generally weak to moderate, with methanolic extracts showing greater efficacy, particularly against Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessments using human dermal fibroblasts and lymphocytes revealed no significant adverse effects at the tested concentrations, with cell viability remaining above 80% and chromosomal aberration indices comparable to negative controls. Overall, the results demonstrate that Ugandan edible insects possess favorable nutritional profiles, selective bioactivities, and an acceptable preliminary safety profile, supporting their potential as alternative food resources. However, controlled rearing, standardized processing, and further studies on bioavailability and long-term consumption are warranted.

Yilmaz, Nazife; Urganci, Nida Nur; Yildirim, Zeliha

Despite the fact that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-known opportunist pathogen, it remains an understudied microorganism in the context of food safety. Due to its high adaptation capability, rapid reproduction and minimal growth necessities, P. aeruginosa is a common bacterium in the food chain. The resistance of P. aeruginosa to various antibiotics in clinical isolates has been extensively investigated and in-depth characterized. Conversely, information on food-borne isolates of this genus and species is insufficient. In this study, a total of 208 colonies were isolated from 144 food samples collected from different provinces and subjected to morphological, physiological, and chemical analyses. Based on the results, total 22 isolates obtained from milk (12) and chicken (10) samples and exhibiting characteristics specific to P. aeruginosa were identified at the molecular level using the 16 S rRNA region. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the identified isolates were evaluated against azithromycin and erythromycin (macrolides), cefoperazone and ceftazidime (cephalosporin), meropenem and imipenem (carbapenem), as well as amikacin (aminoglycoside) among others. As a result of 16 S rRNA analysis, it was determined that only the 10 isolates obtained from raw milk samples were P. aeruginosa. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance among P. aeruginosa isolates was found to be variable. All isolates were observed to be susceptible to amikacin, imipenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam, while they were resistant to erythromycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol. Only the RM16 strain was susceptible to tetracycline, RM18 to meropenem, and RM20 and RM24 showed intermediate susceptibility to gentamicin.