International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials

Korean Society of Sericultural Science (한국잠사학회)
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Techno-functional and rheological properties of Tenebrio molitor larvae protein by different extraction methods

  • Yeeun Kan (Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School, Korea University) ;
  • Insang Cho (Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School, Korea University) ;
  • Eunyoung Oh (Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School, Korea University) ;
  • Ra-Yeong Choi (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration) ;
  • Jeewon Koh (Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School, Korea University) ;
  • Yookyung Kim (Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School, Korea University)
  • Received : 2024.02.08
  • Accepted : 2024.05.27
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

Alkaline- or salt-assisted extractions have been widely used to extract edible insect proteins, however, there is a need for extraction techniques that balance cost-efficient production as well as preserving the protein properties. Mealworm proteins (Tenebrio molitor larvae) were extracted using three different extraction methods-alkali (AMP), salt (SMP), and water (WMP)-and then physicochemical and techno-functional properties were examined. AMP had high yield, protein, and amino acid contents, whereas WMP had high moisture, ash, and fat contents. SDS-PAGE showed a wide range of molecular weights in WMP whereas mostly low molecular weights were observed in AMP and SMP. AMP had poor protein solubilities compared to SMP and WMP across all pHs. AMP had enhanced water-holding capacity and emulsion stability, whereas WMP had improved oil-holding capacity and foaming properties. WMP formed a gel with and without the transglutaminase. The physicochemical and techno-functional properties demonstrated that water-soluble mealworm protein was superior to alkali-and salt-soluble mealworm proteins. Considering the cost efficiency and minimal impact on the environment as well, a cold press juicer could be utilized for mass production of mealworm protein compared to the conventional methods of protein extraction using alkali and salt.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea (RS-2021-RD009646)

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