Kate Tepper

Abstract TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) from unexploded ordinances is a common environmental pollutant near munitions factories, military training sites, and areas of armed conflict. As physical and chemical approaches for TNT remediation are costly and difficult to scale, in situ bioremediation is an attractive alternative. TNT is a phytoaccumulative pollutant.

Abstract Background: Insects, such as Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens), are increasingly used as sustainable animal feed ingredients that can be reared on plentiful organic substrates such as agricultural residues and pre-consumer food waste. Genetically engineering insects to heterologously express feed additive enzymes has the potential to generate more value from organic waste, while improving livestock health and productivity.

Abstract A major roadblock towards the realisation of a circular economy are the lack of high-value products that can be generated from waste. Black soldier flies (BSF; Hermetia illucens) are gaining traction for their ability to rapidly consume large quantities of organic wastes. However, these are primarily used to produce a small variety of products, such as animal feed ingredients and fertiliser.