Vincenzo is an insect physiologist, co-founder and Head of Science at Entoplast.
After earning his PhD (University of Siena, Italy) in 2001, Vincenzo published several studies on the integrated control of pests of economic and medical importance.
His expertise spans insect breeding, life strategies, behaviour, and reproductive physiology, with experience working on species such as the Black Soldier Fly. Vincenzo maintains ongoing scientific collaborations with Universities and Research Centres in the UK, Italy and U.S.A.
In 2015, Vincenzo was awarded a Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship for a highly innovative project on insect behavioural conditioning. His work aims to create "physiologically engineered" organisms that can be used as biosensors, with behaviour controlled by scientific operators.
In 2019, Vincenzo co-founded Entoplast with #Malcolm Mackenzie.
Having identified the commercial potential of chitin, and drawing on Vincenzo’s expertise in insect physiology, they embarked on a mission to disrupt the chitin and chitosan market by developing an innovative and sustainable method for extracting and processing chitin from insect biomass.
This process leverages insects as a renewable and highly efficient resource while employing a greener extraction method. Unlike traditional techniques involving crustacean shells – often reliant on intensive chemical treatments that generate significant waste – Entoplast’s approach minimises the use of harmful chemicals, reducing environmental impact without compromising efficiency or scalability.
Vincenzo’s work at Entoplast exemplifies how science and sustainability can drive meaningful change. His contributions continue to pave the way for innovative, eco-friendly solutions that challenge conventional practices, positioning Entoplast as a leader in the shift toward a greener future.
Contact Details
Email Address: Vincenzo@entoplast.com
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