Extraction and physicochemical characterization of Tenebrio molitor proteins

Area of Science:

• Insect protein
• Biochemistry
• Food science

Background:

• Insects are a sustainable protein source.
• Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) is a promising candidate for insect farming.
• Understanding protein extraction is key for utilizing insect biomass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extract and characterize proteins from Tenebrio molitor larvae and larvae meal.
• To compare the physicochemical properties of extracted soluble proteins.
• To assess the nutritional potential of these proteins.

Main Methods:

• Thermo-mechanical pre-treatment to create larvae meal.
• Alkaline pH solubilization for protein extraction.
• Physicochemical characterization including protein content, amino acid profiles, molecular weight, solubility, surface charge, and surface hydrophobicity.

Main Results:

• Larvae and larvae meal are protein-rich (65.6% and 71.6%).
• Both contain essential amino acids (EAA) suitable for humans and salmon, except for methionine.
• Protein extraction yield was higher from larvae (59.9%) than larvae meal (26.4%) at optimal conditions (pH 10, 45°C).
• Soluble proteins exhibited pH-dependent solubility and varying surface properties.

Conclusions:

• Tenebrio molitor larvae and meal are valuable protein sources.
• Optimized extraction methods can enhance protein recovery.
• Further research into improving methionine content is warranted for broader applications.