Feeding substrate and extraction technique-dependent variations in Tenebrio molitor larval oil and protein...

Interest in insect-based foods reflects the need for sustainable sources of lipids and proteins. However, the extent to which feeding substrate and extraction technique shape insect-derived products remains insufficiently understood. Here, mealworm larvae reared on wheat bran and bran supplemented with pumpkin or sunflower seed pressed cakes were subjected to Soxhlet and supercritical fluid extractions. The results revealed that extraction significantly influenced abundance of carotenoids, phenolics, N-acyl amino acids, monoacylglycerols, and glycerophospholipids as well as in vitro antioxidant activity and peroxide value. On the other hand, both feeding and extraction influenced protein fractions. Contrary, oil yield (20.0-25.7%), linoleic acid, and in vitro protein digestibility were primarily affected by variations in feeding substrate. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the composition and quality of mealworm-derived products are governed by the combined effects of larval feed and extraction, providing valuable insights for the development of insect-based ingredients with tailored nutritional and functional properties.