Opatovsky’s Lab
Insect Nutrition and Metabolism
Dr. Itai Opatovsky
Head of Laboratory
Research interest
Insect nutrition Fatty acid metabolism Insect-fungi interactions
​
Email: itaio@migal.org.il
Phone number : +972-54-465-9454
I am an enthusiastic entomologist that is fascinated by insects wherever I can find them. In my research, I focus on insects as a source for nutrients and as a bioreactor for producing necessary biochemical components and for biodegrading wastes. Another field of interest is the effect of fungal symbionts on the metabolic pathways of insects
My work integrates laboratory experiments and molecular biochemical techniques.
My approach is to address general biological problems while contributing to applied science.
​
Tzach Vitenberg
Lab Manager
Research interest
Insect-fungi interactions BSF life-cycle BSF nutritional composition
​
Email: tzachvit93@gmail.com
Phone number : +972-54-6672556
Dr. Neta Herman
Post-Doctoral fellow
Research interest
Antimicrobial peptides production by Black Soldier Fly
My current research involves identifying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the Black Soldier Fly (BSF). Specifically, I'm investigating AMPs produced directly by the BSF or induced by the presence of fungi. My aim is to determine the effects of these AMPs on human pathogens. To accomplish this, I'm utilizing a combination of molecular and computational methods
Ori Lemberg
Research interest
Insect-Fungi interaction; Fungal dispersal
I study the interactions between the black soldier fly (BSF) and fungi, espacialy in the dispersal point of view. My research aims are to figure out if there is vertical transmission of fungi through the black soldier fly life-cycle or whether every generation of larva acquire their fungi symbionts from the environment.
Lilach Ben Mordechai
MSc Student
Research interest
Insect-fungi interactions Fungi metabolomics
Email: lilachb92@gmail.com
I am studying insect-fungi interactions and whether the larvae consume directly the yeast (as food supplements) or the yeast live in the larvae gut and excrete metabolites that are used by the larvae (probiotics)