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Biodegradation of polylactic acid by yellow mealworms (larvae of Tenebrio molitor) via resource recovery: A sustainable approach for waste management
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Researchers demonstrated that yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade polylactic acid plastic with up to 90.9% conversion efficiency on a pure PLA diet and proposed a circular waste management approach where PLA plastic serves as feedstock for insect biomass production and the resulting frass is used as fertilizer.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is biodegraded rapidly under composting or thermophilic temperature but slowly under natural conditions with substantial microplastics generated. In this study, we examined the feasibility of PLA biodegradation and developed a novel approach for PLA waste management using yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae) to achieve biodegradation and resource recovery simultaneously. Results confirmed PLA biodegradation in mealworms as sole PLA and PLA-bran mixtures (10%, 20%, 30% and 50% PLA, wt/wt). Feeding PLA-bran mixtures supported the larval development with higher survival rates and lower cannibal rates than feeding PLA only at ambient temperature. The PLA conversion efficiency was 90.9% with 100% PLA diet and was around 81.5-86.9% with PLA-bran mixtures. A peak insect biomass yield was achieved at a PLA ratio of 20%. PLA biodegradation was verified via detection of chemical and thermal modifications. Gut microbial community analysis indicated that intestinal communities shifted with PLA biodegradation, resulting in clusters with OTUs unique to the PLA diet. Based on these findings, we propose a circular approach for PLA waste management via resource recovery of used PLA as the feedstock for insect biomass production, management of mealworm excrement waste as fertilizer, and utilization of agricultural products for PLA production.
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Tenebrio molitor in the circular economy: a novel approach for plastic valorisation and PHA biological recovery
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Mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade certain plastics, and their gut bacteria produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable bioplastic. This study explores using mealworms as a circular-economy tool to convert plastic waste into biodegradable materials.
Mitigation of Soil Pollution by Biodegradation of Plastic Materials through Activity of Mealworms
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This review examines how mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) can biodegrade plastics including polystyrene and polyethylene, and discusses their use in circular production systems. Insect-based plastic biodegradation represents a promising biological approach to reducing plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics in the environment.
Optimizing polystyrene degradation, microbial community and metabolite analysis of intestinal flora of yellow mealworms, Tenebrio molitor.
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Yellow mealworm larvae fed only expanded polystyrene were found to biodegrade the plastic, with the efficiency depending on temperature and humidity conditions. The gut microbiome of the larvae played a key role, and researchers identified metabolic pathways involved in polystyrene breakdown, advancing understanding of insect-based plastic biodegradation.
Biodegradation of aged polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae)
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Yellow mealworm larvae were able to consume and biodegrade both fresh and aged polyethylene film and polystyrene foam over a 35-day period. While aged plastics slightly slowed larval growth, the worms still broke down the plastic with help from their gut bacteria, confirmed by chemical analysis showing structural changes in the consumed plastic. This biological approach to plastic degradation could help reduce the amount of plastic waste that eventually breaks down into microplastics in the environment.
Biodegradation of polyethylene, biodegradable-polyethylene bags and corn residues using Tenebrio molitor larvae
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This Spanish-language study tested the ability of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) to biodegrade different types of polyethylene plastic, including conventional LDPE and biodegradable varieties. The larvae could degrade all plastic types tested, suggesting insect-based digestion as a viable plastic waste management strategy.
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