The Science:
Organic Logic

OUR TECHNOLOGY:
BLACK SOLDIER FLY AS A SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PLATFORM

Synthetic biology has traditionally focused on microbes due to the ease of genetic manipulation and their vast metabolic potential. Microbial systems have enabled the production of an array of products, from industrial enzymes to life-saving medications. However, scaling microbial fermentation often requires expensive, energy-intensive infrastructure and processed feedstocks.

At EntoZyme, we are pioneering a new frontier: using the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as an insect-based biomanufacturing platform. This innovative approach retains the advantages of microbial synthetic biology while overcoming its limitations by leveraging BSF’s natural capabilities for waste processing and biomass production.

Close-up of a black soldier fly with its head and thorax visible, showing black and red coloration on the body.
Flowchart illustrating the process of producing animal-based feed from raw ingredients to improved feed, including steps like synthetic biology, feedstock processing, lyophilized powder, bioremediation, biosensing, alternative proteins, high-value compounds, and final feed enhancement.

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY USING BLACK SOLDIER FLY

Diagram of synthetic biology process using black soldier fly to convert waste feedstock into high-value compounds and clean compost, with stages of waste collection, contamination extraction, compounding, and feeding.

REVOLUTIONIZING BIOMANUFACTURING

EntoZyme’s technology demonstrates how nature-inspired solutions can redefine industries. By combining the natural efficiency of BSF with cutting-edge synthetic biology, we’re unlocking new potential for sustainable waste management and biomanufacturing. Our platform bridges the gap between ecological responsibility and industrial-scale innovation.

Why Black Soldier Flies?

Decayed and rotting tomatoes with black mold and damaged skin on dark soil.

Natural Waste Processors

BSF larvae can consume a wide variety of organic waste streams, even those contaminated with hazardous substances.

Close-up of numerous dried black soldier fly larvae piled together.

Scalability

BSF farms are already capable of processing tens of thousands of tons of organic waste annually, making this platform inherently scalable.

Close-up of a goat eating from a feeding trough.

Sustainability

Unlike microbes, BSF requires minimal pre-treatment of feedstocks, reducing the environmental and financial costs of biomanufacturing.

How we enhance BSF

Our advanced synthetic biology tools equip BSF with novel capabilities, enabling them to:

Close-up of transgenic black soldier fly with red abdomen

Expand Their Diet

BSF can be engineered to process otherwise challenging feedstocks, such as those containing lignocellulose or hazardous compounds.

Close-up of transgenic black soldier fly with red abdomen

Produce High-value Biomolecules

From industrial enzymes for textiles and detergents to omega-3 fatty acids, BSF can generate products for a variety of industries.

Close-up of transgenic black soldier fly with red abdomen

Improve Biomass Quality

By modifying BSF lipid and protein profiles, we create enriched outputs suitable for high-performance animal feed and other applications.

ADVANTAGES OF BSF SYNTHETIC TECHNOLOGY

Close-up of organic waste

Integrated Waste Management

BSF transforms organic waste into value-added products while cleaning up hazardous contaminants.

Close-up of small, white insect larvae or pupa with segmented bodies, scattered on a white background.

Reduced Costs

Minimal infrastructure is required compared to traditional biomanufacturing.

Close-up of green moss and plants growing on a surface near a rusty, weathered metal object.

Circular Economy Contribution

By valorizing waste streams, we align with global sustainability goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

INDUSTRY 1.0 to 3.0: EXTRACTION FOR LINEAR MATERIAL FLOWS

The past ~200 years of industry has been based on a  linear ‘take-make-dump’ economy which treated natural resources as infinite. A focus on material flows and efficiencies has come from the scale and scope of impacts we’ve created.

Flowchart illustrating the lifecycle of raw materials from growth and extraction, through manufacturing, use, and environmental impact, emphasizing recycling and re-use.

BIOTECH AND INDUSTRY 4.0: GROWING CIRCULAR BIOECONOMIES

EntoZyme enhances the emerging use of modular and scalable BSF waste processing facilities to unlock completely new possibilities. We use world-leading genetic engineering to tweak and enhance BSF in very specific ways. Our contributions turn BSF processors into biofactories that can process massive amounts of waste and produce highly valuable products cheaper than incumbent sources, with a tiny physical and environmental footprint.

Combining cutting-edge genetics, ecological principles, and operational partnerships to address a major issue for the planet- and the economy- EntoZyme is at the bleeding edge of what has been heralded as Industry 4.0, with transformative implications and opportunities for what we make, where we make it, and the impacts that we have on the planet.

Flowchart illustrating the production process of a product from raw materials, including growth and extraction, treatment, manufacturing, usage, waste, and environmental impacts, with annotations about enzyme factories and recycling.