September 16, 2025 – A groundbreaking study published in Nature reveals that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are emerging as a dual-purpose solution for bioplastic recovery and aquafeed formulation. Researchers found that mealworms can digest bacterial cells containing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) – biodegradable polymers – to excrete PHA granules, while the nutrient-rich larvae serve as an effective fish meal alternative .

The study tested mealworm meal (MWM) as a replacement for traditional fish meal in diets for red hybrid tilapia, formulating feeds with 0% to 100% MWM inclusion. Results showed that diets with up to 75% MWM maintained optimal growth performance and feed utilization efficiency, thanks to the mealworms' high nutritional value (75% crude protein, 10% low lipid content). This biorefinery approach not only reduces PHA recovery costs but also diverts protein resources from waste streams to aquaculture .