title: Extraction and characterisation of protein fractions from five insect species.
abstract: Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas morio, Alphitobius diaperinus, Acheta domesticus and Blaptica dubia were evaluated for their potential as a future protein source. Crude protein content ranged from 19% to 22% (Dumas analysis). Essential amino acid levels in all insect species were comparable with soybean proteins, but lower than for casein. After aqueous extraction, next to a fat fraction, a supernatant, pellet, and residue were obtained, containing 17-23%, 33-39%, 31-47% of total protein, respectively. At 3% (w/v), supernatant fractions did not form stable foams and gels at pH 3, 5, 7, and 10, except for gelation for A. domesticus at pH 7. At 30% w/v, gels at pH 7 and pH 10 were formed, but not at pH 3 and pH 5. In conclusion, the insect species studied have potential to be used in foods due to: (1) absolute protein levels; (2) protein quality; (3) ability to form gels.
authors.affiliation: Food Quality & Design Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. liya.yi@wur.nl
authors.forename: Liya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.forename: Catriona M M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lakemond
authors.forename: Leonard M C
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sagis
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Eisner-Schadler
authors.forename: Arnold
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van Huis
authors.forename: Martinus A J S
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: van Boekel
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000737:chemistry*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000737:chemistry*; D006135:Gryllidae / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012212:Rheology; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D019476:Insect Proteins
keywords: Foaming; Gelation; Insect protein; Protein characterisation; Protein extraction