Effect of Three Defatting Solvents on the Techno-Functional Properties of an Edible Insect (<i>Gryllus bimaculatus</i>) Protein Concentrate

Edible insects have received global attention as an alternative protein-rich food. However, their structural characteristics make them difficult to digest. To overcome this obstacle, we assessed the techno-functional properties of three protein concentrates from the cricket <i>Gryllus bimacula...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Min-Soo Jeong, Sang-Deok Lee, Seong-Jun Cho
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/17/5307
Description
Summary:Edible insects have received global attention as an alternative protein-rich food. However, their structural characteristics make them difficult to digest. To overcome this obstacle, we assessed the techno-functional properties of three protein concentrates from the cricket <i>Gryllus bimaculatus</i>. Freeze-dried <i>G. bimaculatus</i> powder was defatted using ethanol, hexene, or acetone as solvents, and the techno-functional properties (protein solubility, water and oil holding capacity, foaming properties, emulsion capacity, and gel formation) of the protein concentrates were determined. Freeze-dried <i>G. bimaculatus</i> powder comprised approximately 17.3% crude fat and 51.3% crude protein based on dry weight. Ethanol was the most effective solvent for reducing the fat content (from 17.30% to 0.73%) and increasing the protein content (from 51.3% to 62.5%) of the concentrate. Techno-functionality properties drastically differed according to the defatting solvent used and foaming properties were most affected. Thus, the techno-functional and whole properties must be considered for proper application of edible insects to achieve global food sustainability.
ISSN:1420-3049