The potential of chitin and chitosan from dead black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) for biodegradable packaging material - A critical review

The packaging efficiency is the key for food safety and protection. Petroleum-based polymer polyethylene, are frequently utilized in packaging despite their incredible resistance to biodegradation. In view of the growing concerns related to waste accumulation and conventional plastics recycling difficulty, there is a pressing need to explore further sustainable alternatives to produce biodegradable packaging material. Biopolymers like chitin and chitosan from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) could be suitable, renewable and biodegradable alternatives for typical synthetic ones. BSF chitin content varies from 8 % to 24 %. All BSF chitin-containing fractions can be collected and processed to chitosan. Another important implication of BSF chitin and chitosan, due to their antimicrobial benefits, is the production of coatings/films effective for expanding the shelf life and protection of packaged food. Introducing bio-packaging contributes to protect the environment by lowering the amount of plastic pollution in addition to cost reduction. This review examines the extraction, processing and potential innovative applications of BSF chitin and chitosan in the packaging industry. Processing methods: physical, chemical and biological which offer variations in quality and purity for specific applications were presented. The enhancements of physical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, through the inclusion of chitin/ chitosan were investigated providing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.