The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) not only offers a sustainable source of protein, but also the potential to extract chitosan – a versatile biopolymer – from the larval skins. A joint study with the research group led by Dr. Sabine Gruber from the University of Innsbruck and the FH Campus Vienna shows how biological waste from BSF production can be processed into bioactive chitosan using environmentally friendly enzymatic processes. This chitosan has strong antifungal properties and improves the germination and disease resistance of plants such as sugar beet. It therefore offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides and chitosan, which is obtained from crescent shells. This innovation underlines the potential of the insect industry to make good use of waste and create sustainable solutions for agriculture and industry.
C. Escobar Rodríguez, V. Zaremska, T. Klammsteiner, I. Kampatsikas, N. Münstermann, O. Weichold, S. Gruber
Chitosan obtained from black soldier fly larval cuticles expands the value chain and is effective as a biocontrol agent to combat plant pathogens
Carbohydrate Polym. 2025, 349, Part B, 123023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.123023
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