Insect bioconversion platform for soybean waste into pet food ingredients
An innovative Black Soldier Fly bioconversion platform transforms soybean oil wet gums into bioactive, insect-derived pet nutrition ingredients. This solution enhances pet health and supports a circular bioeconomy.
Overview
The proposed Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion platform offers an innovative solution to convert underutilized soybean oil wet gums into high-value, bioactive pet food ingredients. By optimizing nutrient balance through co-formulation with various dry organic waste streams, the platform maximizes BSF biomass conversion efficiency. This approach not only provides a sustainable method for waste utilization but also produces bioactive peptides and lipids that can enhance pet health outcomes through improved gut health and immune modulation.
Technical specifications
- Utilizes modular, containerized BSF farming units capable of processing 100 tonnes of waste
- Converts soybean wet gums into bioactive ingredients without traditional acidulation pathways
- Produces high-protein (375 mg/g), high-lipid (483 mg/g), and amino acid-rich (352 mg/g) outputs
- Employs controlled enzymatic hydrolysis to generate bioactive lipids and peptides
- Supports scalable production with initial proof-of-concept demonstrated using L-pod units in Australia
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. Future phases aim to optimize feed formulations and conduct comprehensive testing to advance readiness, including safety, stability, and techno-economic analyses for eventual industrial deployment.
About Macquarie University
Macquarie University is a comprehensive public research university in Sydney, Australia, known for an industry-engaged, collaborative culture. The campus sits within the Macquarie Park technology precinct and features an integrated university hospital and clinics that support clinical translation, trials, and real‑world evidence studies. An on‑campus incubator, shared laboratories, and an enterprise partnerships function enable company residencies, sponsored research, and talent pipelines through work‑integrated learning placements. Research is supported by competitive federal and state programs, including the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP management, licensing, and startup formation with industry‑friendly agreements.
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