insectderived

Insectderived refers to substances and products obtained from insects, including biological materials, compounds, and bioactive ingredients. The term is used across multiple industries, such as textiles, medicine, food, cosmetics, agriculture, and research. In practice, insectderived materials are produced by farming or harvesting insects or by extracting compounds from their bodies, secretions, or byproducts.

Silk is a classic example of an insectderived material, produced by the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori. Silk fibroin and sericin are used in textiles and have growing applications in biomedicine, including sutures and tissue engineering. Chitin and its derivative chitosan, present in the exoskeletons of many insects, are widely used in wound dressings, water treatment, agriculture, and packaging due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Insects also contribute to nutrition through edible insects and insect protein isolates used as food ingredients or feed, reflecting a focus on sustainable protein sources. Insect-derived dyes, such as carmine from the cochineal insect, remain in use in cosmetics and food coloring.

Bee products—honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom—are another major category, serving roles in foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and some traditional medicines. In agriculture, insect pheromones are produced and deployed for monitoring and managing pest populations, offering alternatives to conventional pesticides. Research and industry explore insect-derived enzymes, bioactive compounds, and materials for applications in medicine, biotechnology, and sustainable materials. Regulatory and safety considerations address labeling, allergen risks, and quality standards across jurisdictions.