Mealworm – A Great Source Of Chitosan

Abstract

The Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm beetle) larvae are known as mealworms. Tenebrio molitor belongs to the family Tenebrionidae. The rearing and production of mealworms can be done at a small space and only few resources are needed. Mealworms are being use as feed, food, source of chitin and chitosan, biofertilizers, bioactive compounds, for biodiesel production, and the use of mealworm frass. Mealworms can be a good source of chitin and chitosan. Many research have come forward with great extraction procedures for the extraction of chitin and chitosan from mealworms. Chitosan extracted from mealworm beetle showed antimicrobial activity. The demand for chitosan is increasing. Therefore, taking into account all the beneficial factors, mealworms can be used as alternative source for chitosan production.