Parametric analysis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) biodegradable plastic extraction from simulated biomass using black soldier fly larvae

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), like poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), are biodegradable, non-toxic polymers offering a sustainable plastic alternative. To avoid solvent use in PHA recovery, this study explored bioextraction using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), known for nutrient recycling. BSFLs were fed with alginate-entrapped P3HB for two days. P3HB was excreted along with feces, then purified and analyzed. The effects of biomass-to-BSFL ratio, starvation, and feeding time on PHA purity and yield were evaluated. Results showed that 93.75 % purity (w/w) was achieved at a 42.52 % yield, while a 60.78 % yield corresponded to 80.50 % purity. This inverse relationship suggests trade-offs between yield and purity. The study demonstrates the potential of BSFL as a bioextraction agent and highlights the need for further optimization using real PHA-rich biomass.