Background: The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has emerged as a promising tool in sustainable waste management, owing to its larvae’s ability to efficiently convert organic waste into valuable biomass. Objective: This study investigates the impact of various substrate compositions on the growth, waste reduction efficiency, and bioconversion rate of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens). The aim is to optimize feeding strategies to enhance the effectiveness of BSF larvae in sustainable waste management and protein production. Methods: A controlled experiment was conducted over a 20-day period, using four different substrate types: 100% sludge, 75% sludge + 25% chicken feed, 25% sludge + 75% chicken feed, and 100% chicken feed. Each treatment had three replicates with 100 larvae each. Larval growth metrics, including weight and width, were recorded bi-daily. The waste reduction efficiency and bioconversion rate were calculated based on the remaining substrate weight and larval biomass, respectively. Elemental analysis was performed to determine the impact of substrate type on the accumulation of various elements in the larvae. Results: Significant differences were observed in larval growth, waste reduction efficiency, and bioconversion rates across the different substrates. The 100% chicken feed substrate led to the highest larval growth (M = 0.0881 g/day, SD = 0.0042) and bioconversion rate (M = 7.52%, SD = 0.34), while the 100% sludge substrate achieved the highest waste reduction rate (M = 86.2%, SD = 2.15). ANOVA tests indicated that substrate composition significantly affected these outcomes (p < 0.05). Elemental analysis showed substantial variations in the concentrations of calcium, cadmium, and nickel among the substrates, with the 100% sludge substrate having the highest nickel accumulation (M = 0.2763 ppm, SD = 0.023), significantly different from the other treatments (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that substrate composition is crucial for optimizing BSF larvae growth and waste reduction efficiency. Nutrient-rich substrates, such as chicken feed, significantly enhance bioconversion rates and larval biomass production, although careful consideration of elemental accumulation, especially heavy metals, is essential for safe application in animal feed.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are increasingly used in sustainable waste management, offering potential for the bioconversion of organic waste into insect-derived fertilizer and animal feed. This study investigates the impact of varied substrate mixtures percentages of sludge and chicken feed on heavy metal accumulation, pathogen reduction, and nutrient composition in BSF frass. Methods: The experiment was conducted with four substrate treatments (100% sludge, 75% sludge + 25% chicken feed, 25% sludge + 75% chicken feed, and 100% chicken feed) over a 20-day period. Chemical and microbiological analyses were performed on the feed mixture before adding larvae and on the frass produced in each treatment. Heavy metal concentrations, including cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), pathogen levels (Escherichia coli, total coliform, and fecal coliform), and nutrient composition, including moisture content, pH, ash, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chlorine, were assessed. Statistical analysis was used to determine significant differences across treatments. Results: Heavy metal levels in frass varied with substrate composition, with significantly higher concentrations of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in sludge-dominant treatments (p < 0.05). Treatments with higher chicken feed content were associated with lower metal levels, indicating organic feed’s potential in limiting heavy metal accumulation (p < 0.001). Pathogen analysis showed high microbial levels in sludge-based treatments, while the 100% chicken feed treatment exhibited minimal contamination, highlighting its safety profile (p < 0.05). Nutrient characterization revealed that chicken feed-enhanced treatments produced frass with higher nitrogen and potassium levels, suggesting improved nutrient density and potential for agricultural use. Conclusions: Tailoring BSF substrates by combining sludge with organic feed can enhance the nutritional quality of frass while reducing environmental risks associated with heavy metal and pathogen presence. This study supports the potential of BSF as a sustainable bioconversion tool, promoting circular agriculture.

Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.; BSFL) are increasingly used for organic waste valorization; however, the suitability of 100% non-food agricultural residues common in arid and semi-arid systems remains insufficiently tested without supplementation. This study compared growth performance, bioconversion efficiency, and nutrient outputs of BSFL reared for 14 d on chicken feed (control) versus 100% corn, tomato, and date palm wastes. Larvae were reared under controlled conditions in a completely randomized design (n = 3 per treatment). Growth, substrate reduction, bioconversion efficiency, larval composition, and frass properties were measured. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s honest significant difference (HSD) (α = 0.05). Chicken feed produced the highest final larval weight (0.166 ± 0.010 g), while corn waste supported intermediate growth (0.070 ± 0.004 g). Tomato and date palm wastes resulted in minimal final weights (0.011 ± 0.001 g and 0.014 ± 0.002 g), indicating failure to support development when used alone. Substrate reduction and bioconversion efficiency were highest in the control, intermediate in corn waste, and lowest in date palm waste. Larval protein content was highest in chicken feed and tomato waste, intermediate in corn waste, and lowest in date palm waste. Tomato-derived frass showed elevated electrical conductivity and chloride, suggesting salinity risk limiting direct soil application without dilution. Corn waste showed the greatest potential for BSFL bioconversion without supplementation. Tomato and date palm wastes in pure form were unsuitable and likely require pretreatment and/or co-substrates to enable larval growth and safer frass use.

Background The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is increasingly recognized for its ability to convert organic waste into high-value biomass rich in protein and lipids. This study investigated how different substrate formulations—comprising sludge, chicken feed, and cow manure—affect the nutritional composition of BSF larvae, with implications for their economic use as a sustainable protein source and biodiesel feedstock. Methods Seven treatments were prepared using varying proportions of sludge, chicken feed, and cow manure. BSF larvae were reared under controlled conditions for 20 days. Substrates and larvae were analyzed for physicochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, protein, and fat content, as well as macro- and micro-nutrient profiles. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA and chi-square tests, were performed to assess differences between treatments. Results Significant variations (p < .05) were found in BSF larvae composition across treatments. The highest protein content was observed in larvae fed 100% chicken feed (45.55%), followed by 100% sludge (42.47%) and 75% sludge + 25% chicken feed (41.79%). Maximum fat content was recorded in the 75% sludge + 25% chicken feed group (30.38%). Cow manure–based treatments showed the lowest protein and fat yields but increased pH and salinity levels. Cobalt was detected only in the 100% chicken feed treatment, possibly due to trace mineral additives. Conclusion Substrate composition significantly influenced BSF larvae biochemical profiles. Combining sludge with nutrient-rich inputs like chicken feed enhances both protein and fat yields, supporting BSF larvae’s economic viability for feed and biodiesel industries.

Honey nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in recent years for their potential applications in wound management. This article critically evaluates the current literature on honey nanoparticles and their unique properties, such as enhanced stability, bioavailability, and controlled release, while emphasizing the need for more targeted research in this area. The discussion explores honey's effectiveness in promoting wound healing, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial activity, as well as the development of novel wound care products incorporating honey nanoparticles, like smart wound dressings, hydrogels, or topical ointments. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of comparative studies and exploring synergistic effects with other natural remedies to better understand the potential applications of honey nanoparticles in wound management. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to guide future research and clinical applications, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and innovative wound healing strategies.

Larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are increasingly used to convert organic residues into insect biomass. This study evaluated whether locally available olive pomace, date palm residues, and banana leaves, used alone or in equal combinations with olive pomace, could support larval growth, substrate reduction, and production of biomass with different proximate composition. Larvae were reared for 15 days in a completely randomized laboratory trial using five substrate treatments: olive pomace, date palm residue, banana leaves, olive pomace mixed with date palm residue, and olive pomace mixed with banana leaves. Larval size, survival, substrate reduction, bioconversion efficiency, and larval proximate composition were compared among treatments. Mixed substrates generally supported greater larval growth than single-residue diets, with OP + BL producing the strongest overall growth and bioconversion-efficiency performance. BL achieved the greatest substrate reduction, whereas DP produced larvae with the highest measured crude protein concentration but showed comparatively weak growth and conversion performance. OP produced the highest measured crude fat concentration. These findings indicate that substrate selection involves a trade-off between larval growth, waste-conversion performance, and biomass composition, and that no single treatment maximized all outcomes.