Physicochemical structure of chitin in the developing stages of black soldier fly

Isolation and physicochemical properties of chitin polymer from insect farm side stream as a new source of renewable biopolymer

“…Wang et al reported a similar result on the crystal origin of isolated chitin in different stages of black soldier fly (larvae, prepupa, puparium, and adults) (Wang et al, 2020). The peaks around 1650 cm -1 , 1620 cm -1, and 1550 cm -1 were attributed to amide I of C-O, the amide II of N=H, and amide III of C=N stretching, respectively (Elshaarawy et al, 2016).…”

“…Wang et al reported a similar result for the thermal stability of chitin isolated from different developmental stages of black soldier fly. The first and second stages of degradation started at 0-150°C, 150-400°C, and the maximum thermal degradation temperature of around 373°C for different developmental stages black soldier fly has been reported(Wang et al, 2020).…”

“…Nevertheless, the chitin generated as a side stream from the insect farms has not yet been well investigated and characterized. While there are several reports on the content and properties of various insect-derived chitin (Purkayastha and Sarkar, 2020;Wang et al, 2020), there is a lack of precise isolation and characterization of chitin, and the side stream fraction from the insect farms has not yet been investigated to valorize the biopolymer. In addition, biopolymers extracted from the insects can have physicochemical properties different than the chitin normally derived from shrimp and crab, which can affect its final applications.…”

Why for feed and not for human consumption? The black soldier fly larvae

“…Rachmawati et al (2010) documented the protein content in the larval stage decreasing from 61% (DM) at 5 days old to 44% at 15 days old and 42% at 20 days old, whereas the fat content increased from 13% (DM) at 5 days old to 19% and 23% at days 15 and 20, respectively. A recent study found that the chitin content of BSFL decreased from the larvae (3.6 g/100 g) to prepupae (3.1 g/100 g) stage, and peaked during the pupae stage (14.1 g/100 g) (Wang et al, 2020). This information is useful and can allow for harvesting the larvae at certain times in their growth phase to obtain the desired nutritional profiles for specific applications.…”

“…Another less environmentally taxing method could make the use of eutectic solvents as a means to isolate and prepare chitin from BSFL; however, this method requires more research to validate its effectiveness and economic viability (Zhou et al, 2019). Further considerations going forward should look at the age of the BSFL, as it has an effect on the chitin content, thermal stability, and degradation rate of the chitin, as well as crystallinity all of which affect its end use (Wang et al, 2020). Chitin and chitosan derived from insects have demonstrated emulsion capabilities (Hirsch, Cho, Kim, & Jones, 2019) and antimicrobial properties (Shin, Kim, & Shin, 2019); however, further research into the possible uses of BSFL is still required, as chitin and chitosan are versatile ingredients and can be used in a wide range of industries from cosmetics, to medicinal, and to food (Kumar, 2000).…”