One major obstacle is production. Extracting protein crystals from cockroaches is a complex and inefficient process. Unlike cows, which can produce large quantities of milk, cockroaches generate only tiny amounts of the nutrient-rich substance.
Researchers are therefore looking for alternative methods to replicate or manufacture the protein crystals using biotechnology. If successful, these methods could make it possible to produce the nutrients without relying on large numbers of insects.
Another important area of study is safety. Scientists must determine how the substance affects human health over the long term and whether it can be produced economically and sustainably.
