Impact of Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles on Nutritional Composition of Edible Insect: Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

The present study investigates the impact of SiO₂ NPs (Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles) (500–60000 ppm) on key chemical parameters including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, moisture, ash, and fatty acid composition in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae, with a view to identifying potential implications for sustainable food systems. It was determined that the protein and carbohydrate contents of larvae fed with high doses (>5000 ppm) of SiO2 NPs were significantly reduced in comparison to the control group. Moreover, an increment in the dose of SiO2 NPs resulted in a decrease in the fat content of the larvae. It was found that larvae exposed to 500 and 30000 ppm SiO2 NPs exhibited a reduction in moisture content. Furthermore, the ash content of all larvae treated with SiO2 NPs exhibited a significant increase. Finally, an increment in the dose of SiO2 NPs in the larvae was found to be an increase in the level of palmitic acid and a decrease in the level of oleic acid. These findings demonstrate the importance of evaluating the risks associated with nanoparticle exposure in edible insect-based food products with a view to ensuring food safety and sustainability.