Synergistic mechanisms of selected microbial fermentation and black soldier fly larvae on sugarcane bagasse conversion: Insights into microbial shifts

Sugarcane bagasse, a major by-product of sugarcane produced in large quantities after industrial processing of sugarcane, is causing a serious threat to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) offer a promising solution for organic waste management by converting it into insect protein. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of selected microbial fermentation and BSFL on sugarcane conversion, as well as the influence of fermented sugarcane bagasse on the BSFL gut microbial shifts and lignocellulose degradation enzymes using metagenomic analysis. The results revealed a notable increase in Firmicutes phylum, along with its beneficial strains such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus safensis, Bacillus pumilus, Cytobacillus kochii, and Lysinibacillus fusiformis, in the gut of BSFL reared on fermented sugarcane bagasse, leading to improved gut homeostasis and reduced pathogenic loads. This study further explored the co-conversion mechanisms of microbial fermentation and BSFL on lignocellulose degradation and identified high abundances of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) involved in hemicellulase and cellulase degradation at both class and family levels. These findings underscore the potential of integrating microbial fermentation and BSFL in sustainable waste management, offering a promising approach to mitigate the challenges posed by organic waste.