Extraction, fractionation, nanoparticles formulation, and antimicrobial activity of lipids from black soldier fly larvae

Abstract

Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) known as the black soldier fly (BSF) is an efficient ecological organic waste decomposer. Its larvae grow through six larval instars on a variety of decomposing organic substrates inhabited by a variety of microorganisms, including pathogenic ones. Survival in these environments requires a good functioning immune system to protect them from pathogen invasion, hence it can be expected that the BSF larvae possess antimicrobial substances. BSF larvae farming has recently gained popularity as a new source of protein and lipid. The lipid is highly sourced due to its applications in a variety of areas which span across food and pharmaceutical industries. Different extraction methods have been used to extract lipid from different sources.