Fermented Larval Storage for Predictable Black Soldier Fly Harvest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing black soldier flies as a protein source face issues with mass larval mortality, unpredictable larval size at harvest, and the inability to store eggs or larvae beyond 2-4 days, leading to inefficient and unpredictable production.
Innovation Solution
A container-based system with layers of fermented nutrient source, black soldier fly larvae, and dry nutrient source, maintained at a controlled environment to allow for long-term storage and shipping, using a probiotic culture for fermentation and a breathable cover to maintain consistent moisture and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current methods are used for producing black soldier flies, then production can proceed with simple inoculation of media or waste with eggs or neonates, but mass larval mortality occurs and production becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fermenting the nutrient source with probiotic cultures before introducing the black soldier fly eggs or neonates. This pre-preparation of the media creates optimal conditions for larval development, ensuring consistent and predictable harvest results while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward multi-step process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If black soldier fly eggs or neonates are stored beyond 2-4 days, then storage duration increases, but the larvae die and mass mortality occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the storage conditions through fermentation of the nutrient source with probiotic cultures. This changes the chemical and biological parameters of the storage medium, creating an environment that maintains larval viability for extended periods (beyond 2-4 days) while preserving high survival rates. The fermented media provides enhanced nutritional value and protective properties.
3Duration of action of moving object
If development time from inoculation to harvest is approximately three weeks, then natural development proceeds, but productivity is low and harvest is unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the nutritional and biological parameters of the development media through probiotic fermentation. This creates optimal conditions that accelerate larval development, reducing the harvest time from approximately three weeks to a shorter period while increasing productivity and ensuring predictable, consistent harvest results through controlled fermentation parameters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables stable and reproducible production of black soldier flies with minimal mortality, accelerating larval development by 75% and allowing storage for up to 5 months, ensuring predictable larval harvest and efficient conversion of food or waste to protein/fat.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of fermented nutrient source in the bottom of the container
Implementation Method 2
a cover on top of the container that allows air to pass into and out of the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for long-term storage, shipping, and stable production of black soldier flies, capable of use in waste remediation or protein production. The invention overcomes drawbacks associated with current methods of using black soldier flies, significantly increasing the period during which black soldier fly neonates can be stored and the time in which larvae mature.