A Comprehensive Analysis of Chitin Extraction from the Black Soldier Fly for Chitosan Production

Abstract

Chitin, a versatile biopolymer with applications in biomedicine, antimicrobial agents, and cosmetics, can be sustainably sourced from the black soldier fly (BSF). This alternative is gaining popularity because it not only provides a sustainable supply of raw materials but also possesses chitin properties. Consequently, this broadens the potential applications of chitin in the development of derivative products with varied characteristics. The BSF undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and fly. While the extraction method is commonly used to isolate chitin from other sources, a modified approach is necessary for the BSF due to the unique chitin-binding elements present in its biological structures. Given the high fat content in BSF and its metamorphosis stages, separating the fat prior to the extraction process is crucial. Co-fermentation, a biologically driven extraction technique, offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative with potential for high chitin yields. These findings underscore the potential of BSF as a sustainable chitin source and emphasize the significance of optimizing extraction processes to produce high-quality chitin and chitosan products. There remains considerable scope for future research, particularly in areas such as the identification of effective bleaching agents, optimizing conditions for maximum chitin extraction from BSF, and refining the extraction process to enhance cost-effectiveness.