Development and Characterization of Composite Film Using Chitin and Insect Protein From Black Soldier Fly <i>(Hermetia illucens)</i>

ABSTRACT The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has the benefit of bio‐conversion of waste sequentially provides surplus nutritional benefits. In recent times, the demands for alternative protein‐rich novel foods are growing rapidly with a positive approach. The black soldier fly has emerged as a sustainable and innovative nutritional source to meet the futuristic demand of the world. The development of composite film from novel insect protein of black soldier fly prepupae (BSFP) provides an opportunity to explore the under‐utilized source. The composite film‐forming solutions of varying compositions with chitosan: BSFP protein along with glycerol 0.50 mL (v/v). The phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was used to disperse 4% isolated BSFP protein in 1% chitosan matrix. The study reveals excellent functional and thermal properties with glass transition temperature of 180°C in BSFP protein with 75% protein purity. Followed by the composite films has high tensile strength in T4 with 31.93 MPa with thickness of 0.063 mm is due to the electrostatic interaction of hydroxyl and amino group at specific concentration of protein and chitosan. The scanning electron microscope image depicts the smooth morphology of protein embedded in chitosan matrix. There is a significant increase in antioxidant properties with increase of protein ratio (C:47.52, T1:72.88, T2:68.22, T3:62.09, T4:56.55, and T5:51.30 mg/mL). The low water vapour permeability with minimum range of 1.86 in T5 and maximum of T1 3.67 kg.m. hr −1 . Pa −1 .m −2 and the results has positive correlation to the contact angle measurements of composite films signifies good hydrophobicity behavior. The study explores by utilizing renewable insect resources like BSFP to develop novel sustainable bio‐packaging film with waste to wealth concept. The study reveals the suitability of insect protein with high nutritional and significant mechanical, antioxidant property in bio packaging sectors. The bio‐packaging films optimized from insect protein can be commercialized as edible films in RTE foods, confectionery, bakery industries, customized foods, and 3D Food printing.