Optimization of Crude Biodiesel Production from Zophobas morio Larvae using Response Surface Methodology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/bioprocessing.v4n2.80Keywords:
Biodiesel, Transesterification, SupermealwormsAbstract
Biodiesel is a renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative fuel that plays a critical role in the automotive and transportation sectors. It is commonly produced through a transesterification process. The growing interest in biodiesel production is driven by the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel combustion. In this study, Zophobas morio larvae (supermealworms) were investigated as a novel feedstock for biodiesel production due to their high lipid content. Key process parameters affecting biodiesel yield including the temperature, reaction time and oil-to-methanol volume ratio were initially evaluated using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach. Significant variables identified through OFAT were optimized using RSM, yielding a maximum biodiesel output of 0.5719 g at 54.77 °C, 92.05 minutes, and an oil to methanol volume ratio of 1:0.76. This study highlights the potential of insect-based fat as a sustainable alternative to conventional vegetable oils such as corn or sunflower oil, which are edible and economically valuable. The development of biodiesel from non-edible, lipid-rich biomass such as insect larvae represents a promising step toward sustainable biofuel production in anticipation of fossil fuel scarcity.
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