Validation of Sterilization of Lucilia cuprina Larvae using Raw Honey through Scanning Electron Microscope

Background: In the application of maggot debridement therapy (MDT), sterilized maggots (Lucilia cuprina) by standard chemicals were used. Recent potential demands who want to use a procedure with all natural products, raw honey has been proposed as a natural sterilization technique to replace the chemical products. Methods: Lucilia cuprina collected from a laboratory colony were divided into treated group (sterilized) and control group (non-sterilized) to undergo sterility testing with honey dilution. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine and ascertain the sterility of honey dilution. SEM provided direct observation of microorganism’s presence on external surface L. cuprina after sterilization by disinfectants of raw honey (tualang honey). Results: Sixty maggots were examined with 30 in each group under SEM in three magnifications: ×300, ×1500, and ×6500. Treated group showed the absence of microorganism on the surface body segment of the larvae. It reflected in different magnifications in which treated maggots appeared to be smooth and clear of any external contaminants. The untreated maggots exhibited clusters of microorganisms on the external body surface. Conclusion: This study confirmed the complete sterilization of maggots using raw honey as the antibacterial agent by using SEM due to its disinfection efficacy in destroying microorganisms in L.cuprina.