Insect-Derived Biomaterials Including Chitin Silkworm and Beyond in Sustainable Applications

The growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials has intensified research into renewable biological resources as alternatives to petroleum-based products. Insect-derived biomaterials, including chitin, chitosan, and silk proteins obtained from silkworms and other insect species, have emerged as promising candidates due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatile functional properties. These materials demonstrate expanding applications in biomedical engineering, agriculture, food packaging, textiles, and environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of major insect-derived biomaterials, their sources, extraction and processing approaches, and emerging sustainable applications. It also examines current challenges related to large-scale production, commercialization, and regulatory acceptance while highlighting future opportunities within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Advancements in processing technologies and increasing interest in eco-friendly materials position insect-based biomaterials as valuable components of sustainable industrial development and next-generation material innovations.