Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
A. Lecocq, L. Joosten, E. Schmitt, J. Eilenberg, A. B. Jensen
Summary: The mass production of black soldier flies for bioconversion of organic waste and feed purposes is increasing. However, research showed that adult black soldier flies are highly susceptible to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, which could have negative impacts on production systems.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Patrick Klueber, Stephanie Mueller, Jonas Schmidt, Holger Zorn, Martin Ruehl
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the suitability of black soldier fly larvae as bioconversion agents of palm kernel meal and characterized the bacterial and fungal communities in their gut. The study found that the core microbiome of black soldier fly larvae included genera such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Sphingobacterium. Injection assays revealed varying levels of pathogenicity among different bacterial strains, with Fusarium solani showing the highest lethality.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sruthi Kumar, Lucas Sales Queiroz, Rodolphe Marie, Luis Gustavo Lima Nascimento, Mohammad Amin Mohammadifar, Antonio Fernandes de Carvalho, Chloe Marie Charlotte Brouzes, Heather Fallquist, Wael Fraihi, Federico Casanova
Summary: This study investigates the functionality of black soldier fly larvae protein and the impact of ultrasound treatment on its physicochemical properties. A promising gel system was created using the protein extract, which contributes to the further development of insect-based food.
Article
Food Science & Technology
J. De Smet, D. Vandeweyer, L. Van Moll, D. Lachi, L. Van Campenhout
Summary: The black soldier fly is the most produced edible insect on an industrial scale, primarily used for animal feed production. Good hygiene and monitoring practices are essential in industrial production to prevent the introduction of foodborne pathogens via the larvae. More research is needed to assess the risk of pathogen introduction in industrial larvae production due to limited data availability.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhao-Chang Zhang, Peng Gu, Kun-Lun Yang, Min-Xing Zhao, Zhen-Xing Huang, Heng-Feng Miao
Summary: The addition of antioxidants improved the bioconversion efficiency of cyanobacterial blooms by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and reduced the toxic effects of exogenous anti-nutrients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tae-Kyung Kim, Jae-Hoon Lee, Hae In Yong, Min-Cheoul Kang, Ji Yoon Cha, Ji Yeon Chun, Yun-Sang Choi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of various defatting methods on proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens larvae. Cold pressure extraction showed higher essential amino acid contents, lower hydrophobicity, and higher emulsifying capacity compared to other methods. Organic solvent extraction had higher protein solubility but was less efficient and had potential harmful effects on the human body.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
F. M. A. Leyva-Gutierrez, M. Fomich, C. Metzcar, J. Saad, V. P. Dia, J. A. Cammack, J. K. Tomberlin, T. Wang
Summary: The lipid, protein, chitin, and mineral composition of black soldier fly larvae and adults reared on spent brewer's grain and Gainesville diet were analyzed. The study found that the lipid profile of larvae was dominated by triacylglycerol-bound fatty acids, while adults had a similar fatty acid profile with free fatty acids as the dominant species. The protein composition of both larvae and adults was dominated by glutelins. This information will contribute to the utilization of black soldier fly larvae and adults in food, food ingredients, and feed.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
K. M. Eggink, J. Dalsgaard
Summary: Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is a promising insect species for converting organic side streams into high-protein and high-lipid biomass. However, the presence of chitin in BSF hinders its use in food and feed due to its anti-nutritional properties. This study examined the macronutrient content, including chitin, in all BSF life stages and found that chitin content generally increased throughout the life cycle but varied depending on the quantification method used. The UPLC method was found to be the most accurate and precise for chitin determination in BSF. Summary: This study highlights the importance of considering both the quantification method and BSF life stage when determining chitin content and the Kp factor. Rating: 8/10
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
James Suckling, Angela Druckman, Richard Small, Franjo Cecelja, Madeleine Bussemaker
Summary: The human food supply chain is burdening the environment with waste creation, and surplus foodstuffs could be utilized to reduce this impact. An optimization-based decision support tool has been developed to help bioconversion businesses identify sources of surplus foodstuffs, locate processing facilities, and determine business models. The study focuses on utilizing black soldier fly larvae for bioconversion, presenting a case study using spent brewer's grains as surplus foodstuff in the UK.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Wael Yakti, Marcus Mueller, Martina Klost, Inga Mewis, Dennis Dannehl, Christian Ulrichs
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the physical structure of feed on the growth and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae. The results demonstrated that manipulating the physical properties of the substrate can affect larval growth, survival rate, and body composition. These findings can be utilized to optimize the substrate and improve the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae. By changing the fiber component or particle size of the substrate, the survival rate can be increased, the time required to reach maximum weight can be reduced, and the chemical composition of black soldier fly larvae can be altered.
Review
Microbiology
Ellen Gorrens, Antoine Lecocq, Jeroen De Smet
Summary: Due to the novelty of industrial production of edible insects, research has mainly focused on optimizing the yield and quality of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) by studying their zootechnical performances in response to different substrates and rearing conditions. Recent studies have shifted towards exploring the role of microbes in the larval digestive system and the manipulation of these microbial communities to enhance insect performance through microbiome engineering. This article provides an overview of existing literature on the use of microorganisms during BSFL rearing and discusses the variable outcomes of these studies, offering potential explanations and inspiring future research in this area.
Article
Horticulture
Nicholas Romano, Carl Webster, Surjya Narayan Datta, Gde Sasmita Julyantoro Pande, Hayden Fischer, Amit Kumar Sinha, George Huskey, Steven D. Rawles, Shaun Francis
Summary: In aquaponic systems, black soldier fly larvae frass can be used as a fertilizer, and nutrient supplementations can optimize plant production. Regardless of the type of frass, water quality and slip production/sugar content remain unaffected. Aquaponics is a viable system for commercially producing sweetpotato slips.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patrick Klueber, Dorothee Tegtmeier, Sabine Hurka, Janin Pfeiffer, Andreas Vilcinskas, Martin Ruehl, Holger Zorn
Summary: Insects, such as the larvae of the black soldier fly, offer a promising alternative source of protein to mitigate the environmental consequences of conventional livestock farming. This study evaluated the suitability of two byproducts from the palm oil industry as larval feed and examined their impact on the larval gut microbiome. The results showed that pretreating the feed with a specific fungus enhanced larval growth and weight gain, while also influencing the composition of the gut microbiome.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom, Alessio Ilari, Daniele Duca
Summary: This article reviews the greenhouse gas emissions from black soldier fly larvae bioconversion activities and analyzes the factors that influence these emissions. It also examines life cycle assessment studies on black soldier fly larvae products and suggests areas for future improvements.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Aya Hamdy Mahmoud, Mohammed Yasser Hussein, Habiba Mohamed Ibrahim, Mariam Hazem Hanafy, Sohaila Mohammed Salah, Ghada M. El-Bassiony, Eman Alaaeldin Abdelfattah
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of mixing organic food waste with microalgae on biodiesel production and found that the mixed feed improved the quality and quantity of biodiesel. Additionally, the addition of antioxidants decreased oxidant concentration in the biodiesel.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen Chen, Jinping Wang, Dian Huang, Wanli Cheng, Zongze Shao, Minmin Cai, Longyu Zheng, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang
Summary: This study found that methyl thioacetate from the deep-sea bacterium Bacillus aryabhattai MCCC 1K02966 has nematicidal and repellent activities against plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, as well as inhibitory effects on egg hatching. This suggests that methyl thioacetate may serve as a potential biological control agent.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wan-li, Zeng Li, Yang Xue, Huang Dian, Yu Hao, Chen Wen, Cai Min-min, Zheng Long-yu, Yu Zi-niu, Zhang Ji-bin
Summary: This study developed a procedure for converting chicken manure to organic fertilizer and evaluated its efficacy in controlling root-knot nematodes. The results demonstrate that this method efficiently transforms chicken manure into high value-added fertilizer and shows good performance in controlling nematodes.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jingjing Zhang, Jiahui Li, Yuanzhi Peng, Xiaokun Gao, Qi Song, Hongyuan Zhang, Osama Elhag, Minmin Cai, Longyu Zheng, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang
Summary: Insect defensins, specifically Hidefensins from black soldier fly, are small cysteine-rich plant antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Analysis revealed their molecular stability and strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with a better efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis showed their novelty in the insect defensin family.
PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chongrui Yang, Shiteng Ma, Fang Li, Longyu Zheng, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang, Chan Yu, Mingxia Fan, Minmin Cai
Summary: This study demonstrates that environmentally friendly manure bioremediation performed by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is an effective strategy for degrading antibiotics and reducing environmental pollution. CIP-degrading strains isolated from the larval gut can efficiently degrade antibiotics in vitro, and adjusting the intestinal microbes can enhance the degradation efficiency. The study also identifies metabolites and potential degradation mechanisms associated with antibiotic degradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Kashif Ur Rehman, Clemens Hollah, Karin Wiesotzki, Rashid Ur Rehman, Asif Ur Rehman, Jibin Zhang, Longyu Zheng, Theresa Nienaber, Volker Heinz, Kemal Aganovic
Summary: This study discusses the importance and feasibility of using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) technology for organic waste management. The technology allows for resource recovery, production of valuable products, and creates new economic opportunities. The study finds that improving the nutritional value of larvae feeding substrates and utilizing microbial fermentation can enhance the efficiency of waste recycling. However, there are still gaps and challenges in the application of black soldier fly technology and the commercialization of its by-products.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuanpu Zhang, Xiaopeng Xiao, Osama Elhag, Minmin Cai, Longyu Zheng, Feng Huang, Heather R. Jordan, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Sing-Hoi Sze, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang
Summary: Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae can significantly reduce the counts of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. in pig manure. Functional microbes are essential for BSF larvae to antagonise S. aureus. Certain bacterial strains in the larval gut are negatively correlated with S. aureus and Salmonella spp.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wanli Cheng, Hua Xue, Xue Yang, Dian Huang, Minmin Cai, Feng Huang, Longyu Zheng, Donghai Peng, Linda S. Thomashow, David M. Weller, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang
Summary: Nematodes can recognize bacteria through their volatile metabolites, but the molecular mechanism behind this process is not well understood. This study shows that the antinematode bacterium P. polymyxa KM2501-1 attracts C. elegans through the secretion of volatile metabolites, including FAc. The attractive response of C. elegans towards FAc involves multiple G-protein-coupled receptors and downstream olfactory signaling cascades in specific neurons. This research highlights the importance of volatile metabolites in the interaction between nematodes and bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhengzheng Zhao, Chan Yu, Chongrui Yang, Bingqi Gao, Nuria Jimenez, Chen Wang, Fang Li, Yue Ao, Longyu Zheng, Feng Huang, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Zhuqing Ren, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang, Minmin Cai
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of black soldier fly larvae conversion combined with composting on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) dynamics in swine manure and uncovered the underlying mechanisms through metagenomic analysis. Compared to natural composting, the combination of black soldier fly larvae conversion and composting significantly reduced the abundance of ARGs. The gut microbiota of black soldier fly larvae helped reduce the risk of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kashif ur Rehman, Clemens Hollah, Karin Wiesotzki, Volker Heinz, Kemal Aganovic, Rashid ur Rehman, Janos-Istvan Petrusan, Longyu Zheng, Jibin Zhang, Summar Sohail, Muhammad Khalid Mansoor, Christos I. I. Rumbos, Christos Athanassiou, Minmin Cai
Summary: Chitin and chitosan, natural biopolymers with high biological activity, have diverse applications in the food, biomedical, and industrial sectors. The main source, shellfish, faces supply chain shortages, seasonal availability issues, and ecological degradation. Insects offer a greener alternative as they generate side streams containing chitin during rearing and processing. Edible insect species like black soldier fly and field cricket are rich in chitin and suitable for extraction and purification. Insect-derived chitin and chitosan have potential applications in agriculture, food, biomedicine, and bioplastic production.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Muhammad Salam, Longyu Zheng, Dezhi Shi, Zheng Huaili, Viola Vambol, Shaphan Yong Chia, Md. Nuralam Hossain, Abdelaziz Mansour, Moataz Eliw, Mengyao Dong, Amina Shazadi, Ehsan Ullah
Summary: This paper investigates the willingness of Asians to use black soldier fly larvae for organic waste management and livestock feed. A random sampling method is used based on waste generation and substrate availability. The study fills gaps in research on public acceptance, social perception, and attitude towards BSFL-based organic waste management. The study finds inconsistent attitudes towards using BSFL technology among different subgroups in different countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jia Zhang, Zhijun Luo, Nan Li, Yongqiang Yu, Minmin Cai, Longyu Zheng, Fengling Zhu, Feng Huang, Jeffery K.Tomberlin, Kashif ur Rehman, Ziniu Yu, Jibin Zhang
Summary: The study reveals the importance of mixing chicken manure into dairy manure for improving the efficiency of black soldier fly larvae in converting manure. It also highlights the role of intestinal microbiota in cellulose degradation and biomass production. This research provides insights into the microecological mechanisms underlying the efficient conversion of cellulose-rich manure by black soldier fly larvae.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.