Purification of Chitin from Pupal Exuviae of the Black Soldier Fly

Abstract Purpose Chitin purification from remains (pupal exuviae after metamorphosis to adult flies) of Hermetia illucens farming was optimized performing demineralization, deproteinization and bleaching under different conditions. The optimal parameters obtain high-purity chitin were determined. Methods Dried ground pupal exuviae, whose composition initially determined, demineralized using six acids. Proteins removed with a NaOH treatment in which temperature, molarity duration varied randomized experiment. Bleaching carried out testing ten chemicals, including NaOCl, H 2 O , solvent mixtures enzymes. efficiency each step determined assess the conditions for them. resulting subjected spectroscopic characterization. Results highest demineralization (90%) achieved 0.5 M formic acid h at 40 °C, confirming validity organic acids as more sustainable alternative inorganic 1.25 90 °C 4 showed efficiency, removing 96% proteins. Temperature concentration significant efficiency. most efficient 6% NaOCl 60 1 (67% efficiency). could also be valid avoid environmental risk related chlorine-containing compounds. At end process 17% original biomass retained content 85%, corresponding yield 14% initial biomass. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance that purified had degree acetylation X-ray powder diffraction gave crystallinity index 74%. Conclusion This investigation shows an method extraction H. supporting insect-farming source this versatile biopolymer. Graphical