Chitosan from black soldier fly: A versatile tool towards sustainable development

Abstract

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae), is a ubiquitous and common fly that lives in nutrient-rich settings and produces large quantities of commercially valuable larvae. It is a good and environmentally acceptable biological source of fat and protein for animal and fish feed. Chitin is a structural element found in the exoskeleton of arthropods, including insects and crustaceans. The special functional qualities of chitin and chitosan include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and lack of harmful side effects. Chitosan is also utilized in the medical field to prevent wound infections and to create drug delivery systems because of its strong air permeability, good antibacterial, and antioxidation properties. Chitin is also extensively utilized in a variety of fields, including heavy-metal recovery, waste water treatment, cosmetics, Agriculture, and Medicine. Due to the emergence of multiple large-scale insect breeding facilities throughout numerous nations, there has been a recent surge in interest in exploiting insects as a source of chitin and chitosan. Its high-value products have applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, environmental, and industrial sectors. Potential new applications for this material are found almost daily, which is driving up demand for it worldwide.