Sun Zhen-jun

Earthworm as a potential protein resource.

The chemical composition of the earthworm (Eisenia foetida), worm casts and worm body fluids was investigated and compared with common foods and animal feeds. Common nutrient analysis showed that Eisenia foetida meal has a high protein content in the range of 54.6 to 71.0% dry matter. Protein content and amino acid composition were close to that of fish meal and hen egg, and higher than that of cow milk powder and soybean meal. Casts of E. foetida had a protein content of 7.9% dry matter, which is similar to that of corn meal, and hence worm casts could be used for partial replacement of corn meal or wheat bran in animal diets. Worm body fluids contained 9.4% protein and 78.79 free amino acid per litre and were found to be rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron (Fe). Our nutrient analyses suggest that earthworm (Eisenia foetida) could be an excellent source of protein to supplement animal feed and human food.

Antimicrobial Vermipeptides: From Methods to Characteristics

In this chapter, we introduce a general protocol of antibacterial vermipeptide preparation methods from earthworms, including crude peptide preparation and purification by ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, gel-filtration, and HPLC chromatography. The antibacterial vermipeptide presented a wide antibacterial spectrum and specialty and performed antimicrobial activities not only against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but also against cancer cells and virus.