Bioconversion of Agro-Industrial Byproducts by Insects and Microalgae within the Framework of Circular Bioeconomy

This study focuses on the bioconversion of agro-industrial byproducts by insects and microalgae within the framework of the Circular Bioeconomy. The main goal is to obtain novel protein sources, bioactive molecules such as carotenoids, and sustainable fertilizers. Specifically, the activities include: (i) the analysis of agro-industrial byproducts as rearing substrates for the insects Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens; (ii) the formulation of an optimal diet for each insect species, monitoring their growth, bioconversion efficiency, and nutritional value; (iii) the extraction of chitosan from insect exuviae; (iv) the study and characterization of insectderived frass as a biofertilizer to promote the growth of edible plants such as Lactuca sativa var. capitata; (v) the analysis of agroindustrial byproducts and wastewater from food processing for the cultivation of microalgae such as Synechocystis sp. and Chlorella sp.; (vi) the extraction and purification of carotenoids from the resulting microalgal biomass. These activities are carried out within the framework of the PNRR project ON Foods - Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety, and Security - Working ON Foods - Spoke 2 - WP 2.1. “New technologies for food waste recovery” - task 2.1.2.