"Structural, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of Edible Protein Films Derived from Black Soldier Fly Larvae "
By Ms. Roshin Mohammad, Vignan University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India


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1 Question from ROSMAWANI BINTI MOHAMMAD, 2025-07-27, 2:54:02 PM Are edible protein films from black soldier fly larvae safe for use in plastic packaging intended for human contact, particularly in food packaging?
Answer from the presenter, , 12:00:00 AM Yes, BSFL protein films can be considered safe for human-contact applications in food packaging, as long as they are processed under hygienic and controlled conditions. In this study, the films are developed using non-toxic, food-safe ingredients like glycerol and water, with no harmful chemical additives. Similar edible films made from proteins like whey protein,casein, and gelatin are already used in food-contact applications. BSFL itself is widely used in food and feed products, especially in Europe and Asia, highlighting its safety when reared and processed properly. That said, before commercialization, regulatory approval from agencies like FSSAI (India), ESFA (Europe) or FDA (USA) would be essential. Safety evaluations such as migration studies, allergenicity testing, and microbial stability checks are required for any novel food-contact material.
2 Question from Dr. Ainihayati binti Abdul Rahim, 2025-07-27, 4:24:34 PM What is the expected shelf life for this protein film if it is used for food packaging?
Answer from the presenter, , 12:00:00 AM The expected shelf life of BSFL protein films could be approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on the storage conditions and food type. These films showed good thermal stability (up to 165 degrees Celsius) and retained mechanical strength over time. Similar protein-based films, like casein and gelatin, have remained stable for up to a year in dry conditions. Chitosan-insect protein films have also shown a shelf life of around 8 months. However, detailed shelf-life studies covering water activity, microbial load, and physical changes over time are required for specific food applications.
3 Question from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azwadi Bin Sulaiman, 2025-07-28, 6:00:47 PM Do you calculate the percentage of amorphous phases?
Answer from the presenter, 2025-07-28, 6:33:54 PM In this study, we focused on qualitative XRD analysis to observe the structural nature of the BSFL protein films.XRD patterns showed broad halos between 19°–21° (2?) for all samples, which is a strong indication of predominantly amorphous structure typical of protein-based films. While our current focus was on structural characterization through qualitative analysis, we plan to include quantitative estimation of amorphous content in future work to better correlate structural organization with mechanical and thermal properties of the films.