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Protein films from black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens , Diptera: Stratiomyidae) prepupae: effect of protein solubility and mild crosslinking
Author(s) -
Nuvoli Daniele,
Montevecchi Giuseppe,
Lovato Francesca,
Masino Francesca,
Van Der Borght Mik,
Messori Massimo,
Antonelli Andrea
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.11091
Subject(s) - hermetia illucens , solubility , bioplastic , ultimate tensile strength , plasticizer , chemistry , citric acid , chemical engineering , glycerol , materials science , nuclear chemistry , food science , larva , organic chemistry , composite material , botany , biology , ecology , engineering
BACKGROUND This work evaluated the performances of protein‐based bioplastics obtained from black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) prepupae. Protein films were synthesized by film casting, using both the whole proteins and their soluble fraction at pH = 10. The effects of glycerol as a plasticizer and of citric acid as a mild crosslinker on film properties were also evaluated. RESULTS Films obtained using the soluble protein fraction were the strongest, as well as the most homogeneous and transparent ones. Protein mild crosslinking improved film tensile properties, especially in films obtained with the whole protein fraction. Non‐crosslinked samples had a high affinity with water while crosslinking almost eliminated the ability of films to absorb water. All protein‐based films proved to be effective barriers to red light (transmittance less than 2%). CONCLUSIONS Bioplastics derived from black soldier fly prepupae may find applications in the agricultural sector (biodegradable pots, mulching films, utensils) and deserve to be tested for food and non‐food packaging. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry