Extraction and characterization of silkworm Bombyx mori pupae protein

Abstract

Entomophagy is a re-emerging terminology used to describe the practice of consuming insects as a source of nutrition by human beings. In present study 4-6 days old silk cocoons were procured, pupae were collected and subjected for drying at 70oC for 48 hours, grounded and defatted (N hexane). Protein (crude) was extracted by acid- alkali pH (5.7) shift method. The results revealed that, dried pupae consist of 38.13% of protein, the true protein content of crude protein was 81.02%. proximate (AOAC), colour, water activity, protein solubility were analysed and characterized by analysing functional properties viz., water absorption capacity (3.08 0.02 gwater/gDM), oil absorption capacity (4.05 0.03 goil/gDM), emulsifying activity (1.93 0.09%), emulsifying stability (1.85 0.108%), foaming capacity (7.67 0.47%), foaming stability (5.83 0.23%) least gelation capacity (10.67 0.94w/v), bulk density (0.38 0.01g/ml) and tap density (0.46 0.008g/ml). Silkworm pupae protein proved to be cheap, edible and alternative protein source obtained as a by-product from sericulture industry.