Impact of rearing substrate composition and fractionation on the application potential of black soldier fly larval constituents in food products

Edible insects have great potential as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has been identified as an edible insect species suitable for mass production. The overall aim of the proposed project is to evaluate the effect of rearing substrate composition and fractionation methodology on the techno-functional properties of the main constituents, i.e. proteins, lipids and chitin, of black soldier fly larvae produced for human consumption. In addition, the application potential of these constituents in protein-rich food products will be assessed. This joint PhD project is a cooperation between KU Leuven (Belgium) and Stellenbosch University (South-Africa).