Abstract
Due to their protein content and balanced amino acid profile, edible insects have been described as an excellent alternative protein source to combat malnutrition. As the global population continues to grow, edible insects such as the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) may contribute to food security. The effect of different protein extraction methods, i.e., alkaline solution and acid precipitation (BSFL-PC1) and extraction with an alkali (BSFL-PC2), on the nutritional, techno-functional, and structural properties of BSFL flours and protein concentrates were studied. The highest protein content (73.35%) was obtained under alkaline and acid precipitation extraction (BSFL-PC1). The sum of essential amino acids significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 24.98% to 38.20% due to the defatting process during extraction. Protein solubility was significantly higher in protein concentrates (85–97%) than flours (30–35%) at pH 2. The emulsion capacity (EC) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the protein concentrates (BSFL-PC1 and BSFL-PC2) compared to the freeze-dried and defatted BSFL flours, while the emulsion stability (ES) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BSFL-PC1 (100%) compared with BSFL-PC2 (49.8%). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in foaming stability (FS) between freeze-dried and defatted BSFL flours. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed distinct structural differences between BSFL flours and protein concentrates. This was supported by surface morphology through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, which showed that the protein extraction method influenced the structural properties of the protein concentrates. Therefore, based on the nutritional and techno-functional properties, BSFL flour fractions and protein concentrates show promise as novel functional ingredients for use in food applications.
Highlights
The United Nations (UN) has predicted that the world population will increase from seven to nine billion people by the year 2030 [1], and with this increase, about 60% of people are expected to migrate and live in cities [2]
black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)-PC1 had the highest protein (73.35%) content, and BSFL-FD (44.47%) had the lowest protein content (p < 0.05), while BSFL-PC1 had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein content compared to BSFL-PC2
This signifies that the protein extraction method affected the protein content
Summary
The United Nations (UN) has predicted that the world population will increase from seven to nine billion people by the year 2030 [1], and with this increase, about 60% of people are expected to migrate and live in cities [2]. Animal protein is expensive and is becoming beyond the reach of many people, especially in developing countries. To feed this growing population, a paradigm shift towards producing sustainable and costeffective food products is required more than ever before. Entomophagy, or the consumption of insects, has been practised by humankind on every continent in the world throughout history and continues today. The advancement of the scientific impetus for large-scale insect rearing, production, and utilisation began in 1975 with the call by Meyer-Rochow [3]. Over 2000 species have been deemed edible since 2012 in
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