Chicatana ant (Atta mexicana) as a potential source of biologically active substances

Atta mexicana (Smith, 1858) is a leaf-cutting ant from the neotropical forests and an important pest. The abdomens of the reproductive specimens are consumed as food and medicinal remedies in the southwest of Mexico. Because their high-quality proteins remain unexplored, the protein profile and the free amino acid content were analyzed through a metabolomic approach. We identified 2247 proteins in the abdomen and edible part of the Chicatana ant and 2098 proteins in the whole insect, visualizing a core of 1186 proteins. Thus, we carried out a targeted metabolomic approach with a bioinformatic prediction that suggests the occurrence of antimicrobial tryptic peptides in the Atta mexicana proteome. These findings are the first description of the free amino acid and protein profiles of Atta mexicana. [Display omitted] •A proteomic and bioinformatic approach was done in Atta mexicana.•Different proteins were found in the edible part and in the whole ant.•2247 proteins were identified in the edible part of Atta mexicana ant.•The bioinformatic prediction suggested antimicrobial and neurological activity.