Bioconversion by insects: What is it?

What is bioconversion?

Bioconversion refers to the process of transforming organic materials, such as agricultural, food, or industrial waste, into useful resources such as energy, nutrients, or chemicals through biological action, often with the help of microorganisms or, in this case, insects. This technique uses the natural capacities of living organisms to convert low-value materials into high-value products, offering an ecological alternative to conventional waste management and raw material production methods.

Introduction

In a world in search of sustainable solutions for waste management and the production of renewable resources, bioconversion by insects presents itself as a promising path. Among the various species of insects studied, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) stands out for its remarkable efficiency in transforming organic matter into high-quality proteins and lipids.

The Black Soldier Fly: An Efficient Bioconversion Agent

The black soldier fly is “technically” capable of consuming a wide variety of organic matter, including food scraps, agricultural waste, manure, and even slurry. What makes this species particularly interesting for bioconversion is its ability to massively reduce the mass and volume of waste in a very short time, while producing larvae rich in proteins and lipids. However, European Union regulations do not currently allow the use of waste other than vegetable waste.

Life Cycle and Bioconversion Process

The life cycle of the black soldier fly begins with the egg, which hatches to give birth to a larva. It is at this larval stage that bioconversion is most active. Black soldier fly larvae have a voracious appetite and can double their weight in just a few days, while significantly reducing the amount of organic matter thanks to their rapid digestion. After they grow, the larvae develop into pupae, and then into adult flies, which do not feed and live for a fairly short time, their main role being reproduction. The speed of this cycle allows several generations per year, which optimizes the continuous production of biomass from organic matter.

Potential Applications and Benefits
‍The applications of black soldier fly larvae are multiple:

‍Waste management : Larvae contribute to a significant reduction in waste biomass, which decreases the need for landfill space and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste decomposition. Thanks to their ability to quickly digest a wide variety of organic materials, they are ideal for treating food residues and other organic waste. Click here to find out more about vegetal by-products authorized in the European Union.

‍Animal feed production : The proteins and fats extracted from larvae can be used to make food for fish farming, poultry farming and even for domestic animals. This sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources helps to reduce pressure on agricultural and marine resources.

Agriculture: The frass (larvae excrement) produced can be used as an amendment or organic fertilizer, thus enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This by-product of bioconversion is rich in nutrients and improves soil quality, promoting more sustainable agriculture.

‍Biodiesel production : Lipids extracted from larvae can be transformed into biodiesel, a renewable fuel. This transformation is possible thanks to processes such as transesterification, where lipids are converted into fatty acid methyl esters. This solution offers an ecological alternative to fossil fuels.

Others
Bioplastic production: Organic waste digested by larvae can be transformed into bioplastics, offering an ecological alternative to traditional plastics.
Chitin and Chitosan Extraction: Larval exoskeletons are rich in chitin, which can be transformed into chitosan, a biopolymer used in various sectors, such as medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and the food industry.

Challenges and Prospects
Although the industrial scale-up of bioconversion via the black soldier fly presents challenges, especially in terms of infrastructure and regulations, at La Compagnie des Insectes, we have developed an innovative technology that allows us to control the industrial breeding of these insects. Thanks to our technological approach, we are able to overcome the obstacles associated with large-scale livestock farming, thus ensuring the continuous and efficient production of products with high added value from organic materials. In conclusion, as the world moves towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, the use of this species could play a key role in our strategies for waste management and sustainable food production. The future could see this ecological and economic method become a norm, and above all an obligation to feed the planet.