Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as a Potential Agent of Organic Waste Bioconversion

Abstract

The use of black soldier fly (BSF) as a bioconversion agent has become an emerging breakthrough in waste processing. Organic wastes, such as household waste and livestock manure, can be used as a growth medium for BSF larvae and converted into favorable products. The average composting time of BSF larvae is around 12– 15 days, which is faster than that of microbes or earthworms (4–5 weeks). BSF shows potential as a feed and food ingredient because it has a high nutritional content, such as enzyme, chitin, medium-chain fatty acid, and antimicrobial peptides, and can be used as a functional food ingredient. From an economical perspective, the short composting period and the role of BSF as a feed and food alternatives can benefit producers and consumers. The safety aspects of BSF utilization, including microbial safety, chemical safety, and environmental safety, warrant clarification to ensure BSF safety. However, some challenges arise regarding the use of BSF larvae (BSFL) as a bioconversion agent, such as for heavy metal residues, pesticide residues, pathogens, and antimicrobial gene transmission and residues that require the best composting strategy for mitigation. The environmental safety of organic waste treated with BSFL has a good impact; therefore, this strategy can be used to reduce global warming. Research must focus on effectively and safely enhancing the cultivation and processing of BSF and its applications as a functional food. In conclusion, BSF is a profitable alternative for organic waste bioconversion in developed and developing countries.

Lauric Acid from the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and Its Potential Applications

“…For instance, conventional composting methods for agricultural waste and food waste emit methane gas at rates of 10.52 g/kg and 88.1 g/kg, respectively. In contrast, composting with BSF larvae results in significantly lower methane gas emissions of 0.08-0.76 g/kg and 1.0-3.0 g/kg, respectively [47]. Furthermore, the bodies of BSF larvae contain high levels of chitin and protein, making them suitable as animal feed [44].…”

“…This contradicts previous studies that identified saturated fatty acids (SFAs) as the primary fatty acid class in BSF larvae or prepupae, with LA typically being the most dominant. The discrepancy may be explained by differences in the nutritional composition of the substrates, particularly the digestible carbohydrate content [47]. The high carbohydrate content in the substrate can increase the LA content in BSF larvae or prepupae, as BSF can metabolize carbohydrates into LA within its body biomass [7,20,54].…”

A Review: Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as a Dietary Protein Source in Poultry Diets

“…Chitin and its derivatives are used in a variety of industries, such as food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, waste management, and textiles. Moreover, chitin can also be used as a feed supplement due to its reported antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties [7]. Furthermore, supplementing with chitosan oligosaccharide has been shown to improve growth performance by promoting immune response and intestinal development [18].…”

“…One of the matters regarding the production of BSFL is the transmission and collection of contaminants through the feed and food chain. Animal and human manures might possibly include drug residuals, mycotoxins, pesticides used for fruit and vegetables, heavy metals from municipal solid wastes, and other toxins [7]. Studies have suggested that certain pesticides, pharmaceuticals, mycotoxins, and dioxins do not build up in BSFL.…”

“…A lot of studies are now being conducted to discover new alternative and novel protein sources for poultry. One of the promising sustainable alternative protein sources for monogastric, which is high in nutrient content (essential amino acids and fat) is insect [6,7], a bioconversion agent of waste, do not compete with human resources and has little environmental effect [8]. The benefits of insect production include a good feed conversion rate, few water and soil requirements, and minimal greenhouse gas and ammonia production.…”