Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): A Promising Candidate for Biocompound Extraction

The increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has led to a growing interest in insect-derived biomaterials such as chitin. This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of chitin from Tenebrio molitor larvae and their potential applications as biofertilizers. Larvae were reared in a controlled environment, starved to clear intestinal contents, and processed to determine moisture content, crude fiber, and chitin yield. Chitin extraction was performed using two different methods involving demineralization and deproteinization. The results indicated that the larvae had a moisture content of ۶۱.۶۸% ± ۲.۴۹, while the total weight of ۱۰۰ dried larvae and their exuviae were ۲.۹۶ ± ۰.۰۴ g and ۰.۴۷۳ ± ۰.۰۸۷۲ g, respectively. Crude fiber analysis showed a residue weight of ۷.۹۴ ± ۰.۱۰۳ g after demineralization. Chitin was successfully extracted through both methods, with yields differing based on the applied process. These findings highlight the potential of T. molitor larvae as a valuable resource for chitin extraction and biofertilizer applications, contributing to sustainable material production.

Keywords:

Mealworm , biocompounds , protein extraction , chitin , crude fiber , biofertilizer , sustainable resources