Optimization Towards a Multi-Product Biorefinery Concept for Chitin Extraction from Black Soldier Fly Biomass
Author
Bjeldbak, Emma
Term
4. semester
Publication year
2025
Abstract
This thesis investigates how to optimize chitin extraction from black soldier fly (BSF) biomass within a multi-product biorefinery that also recovers proteins and minerals. A conventional chemical workflow (defatting, acid demineralization, alkaline deproteinization, decolorization) produced high-purity chitin and effectively removed minerals, but yielded protein fractions that were highly degraded and contaminated. To improve overall valorization, milder alkaline deproteinization conditions were tested; these preserved more intact proteins but lowered chitin purity. A two-step deproteinization strategy overcame this trade-off, enabling concurrent recovery of high-quality chitin, protein, and mineral streams. To reduce chemical use, enzymatic assistance with chitinase was evaluated; results indicate extraction of intact proteins with a protein profile distinct from those obtained by mild alkaline treatments. BSF larvae and frass were used as feedstocks, and process performance and product quality were assessed by microscopy, elemental analysis, spectrophotometry, HPLC, FTIR, SDS-PAGE, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Overall, the study points to an integrated, more sustainable processing route for BSF biomass that balances chitin purity with protein integrity and highlights the potential of enzymatic steps to reduce harsh chemicals.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan udvindingen af kitin fra sort soldaterflue (BSF) biomasse kan optimeres i et multiprodukt-bioraffineringskoncept, der samtidig genindvinder proteiner og mineraler. En konventionel kemisk proces (affedtning, syre-demineralisering, alkalisk deproteinering, affarvning) gav kitin af høj renhed og effektiv fjernelse af mineraler, men resulterede i proteinfraktioner, der var stærkt nedbrudte og kontaminerede. For at forbedre den samlede værdiskabelse blev mildere alkaliske deproteineringsbetingelser afprøvet; de bevarede mere intakte proteiner, men reducerede kitinrenheden. En totrins-deproteinering overvandt denne afvejning og muliggjorde samtidig udvinding af kitin, proteiner og mineraler i høj kvalitet. For at minimere kemikalieforbruget blev enzymatisk hjælp med chitinase undersøgt; resultaterne tyder på udvinding af intakte proteiner med en andet sammensat proteinprofil end ved milde alkaliske behandlinger. BSF-larver og frass blev anvendt som råmaterialer, og procesydelse og produktkvalitet blev vurderet med mikroskopi, elementaranalyse, spektrofotometri, HPLC, FTIR, SDS-PAGE og atomabsorptionsspektroskopi. Samlet peger studiet på en integreret og mere bæredygtig forarbejdning af BSF-biomasse til flere produkter og tydeliggør balancen mellem kitinrenhed og proteinintegritet samt potentialet for enzymatiske trin til at reducere brugen af hårde kemikalier.
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