Could Flies Help Power the Future of Electronics?

It might sound like science fiction, but it’s very real: proteins from the black soldier fly (BSF) could play a role in the next generation of sustainable electronics.

A recent study co-authored by our team member Vincenzina Barbera explores how BSF proteins—harvested through the bioconversion of organic waste—can be combined with conductive carbon black to create biodegradable, electrically conductive materials. The resulting bio-composite holds promise for applications in flexible electronics, such as:

• Smart textiles
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective fabrics
• Biodegradable packaging with embedded electronics

This approach offers a dual sustainability benefit: it not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also provides a viable alternative to petroleum-based conductive materials. By tapping into nature’s overlooked resources, researchers are turning waste into functional, high-performance materials.

The study represents a step forward in designing electronics that align with circular economy principles—low-impact, high-utility, and built for the future.

Read the full article here: Electroconductive Bionanocomposites from Black Soldier Fly Proteins for Green Flexible Electronics | ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering