Nutritional Value and Microbiological Aspects of Dried Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) Larvae Pretreated with a Pulsed Electric Field
Source abstract
Abstract
Complete protein, which includes all the essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds needed in human nutrition, can be found in edible insects. Bioactive compounds play a crucial role in protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, in this study, fat extraction yield, protein content, amino acid profile, total polyphenol content, antioxidant properties, crustacean and mollusk content, and microbiological quality have been assessed to evaluate the influence of the drying method and pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment. To this end, the sample was processed by the PEF at varied specific energy intakes (5, 20, and 40 kJ/kg) and dried by means of two methods: convective (CD) and infrared-convective (IR-CD). A comparable protein content (47.5–48.7 g/100 g d.m.) was determined for most of the samples tested. A significantly higher lysine and methionine content was detected in the CD insects, especially for samples treated by the PEF at 40 kJ/kg. The IR-CD samples exhibited a significantly higher content of polyphenols as compared to those obtained by means of the CD method, whereas the PEF apparently had a significant impact to the extent of increasing their content. Taking into account allergenicity, the crustacean content was approximately 10 times higher than the mollusk content. The study has shown that the PEF treatment prior to infrared-convective drying resulted in the assurance of the microbiological quality of dried insects for food use. Furthermore, a dose of the PEF at 20 and 40 kJ/kg demonstrated the antimicrobial effect. The results have proven that, in this case, a high temperature during the CD method did not cause the undesirable changes that had been expected. Therefore, PEF-assisted convective drying may conceivably be considered to obtain highly nutritionally valuable insects; however, it is crucial to utilize appropriate parameters in the course of the PEF processing.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Insect Utilization and Effects · Animal and Plant Science Education · Insect Pest Control Strategies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Food Engineering and Process Management, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Department of Technique and Food Development, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Funding
Regional Operational Programme of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship for 2014–2020
References (65)
Show source-provided references
1. Kołodziejczak, K., Onopiuk, A., Szpicer, A., and Poltorak, A. (2021). Meat Analogues in the Perspective of Recent Scientific Research: A Review. Foods, 11.10.3390/foods11010105 ↗
2. Skotnicka, M., Karwowska, K., Kłobukowski, F., Borkowska, A., and Pieszko, M. (2021). Possibilities of the Development of Edible Insect-Based Foods in Europe. Foods, 10.10.3390/foods10040766 ↗
3. Szulc, K. (2023). Edible Insects: A Study of the Availability of Insect-Based Food in Poland. Sustainability, 15.10.3390/su152014964 ↗
4. Nutritional Characteristics, Microbial Loads and Consumer Acceptability of Cookies Enriched with Insect (Ruspolia differens) Meal10.1016/j.lwt.2023.115012 ↗
5. Aguilar-Toalá, J.E., Cruz-Monterrosa, R.G., and Liceaga, A.M. (2022). Beyond Human Nutrition of Edible Insects: Health Benefits and Safety Aspects. Insects, 13.10.3390/insects13111007 ↗
6. Grzelczyk, J., Gałązka-Czarnecka, I., and Oracz, J. (2023). Potentiality Assessment of the Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibitory Activity of Olive Oil with an Additive Edible Insect Powder. Molecules, 28.10.3390/molecules28145535 ↗
7. Edible Insects: An Alternative of Nutritional, Functional and Bioactive Compounds10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.126022 ↗
8. Yan, X., Laurent, S., Hue, I., Cabon, S., Grua-Priol, J., Jury, V., Federighi, M., and Boué, G. (2023). Quality of Tenebrio Molitor Powders: Effects of Four Processes on Microbiological Quality and Physicochemical Factors. Foods, 12.10.3390/foods12030572 ↗
9. Comparison of Suitable Drying Processes for Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)10.1016/j.ifset.2018.10.009 ↗
10. Drying Technologies for Edible Insects and Their Derived Ingredients10.1080/07373937.2021.1915796 ↗
11. The Review of Cooking, Drying, and Green Extraction Methods on General Nutritional Properties of Mealworms and Locusts10.1007/s11947-023-03020-5 ↗
12. Bordiean, A., Krzyżaniak, M., Stolarski, M.J., Czachorowski, S., and Peni, D. (2020). Will Yellow Mealworm Become a Source of Safe Proteins for Europe?. Agriculture, 10.10.3390/agriculture10060233 ↗
13. Suitability of Microwave Drying for Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as Alternative to Freeze Drying: Impact on Nutritional Quality and Colour10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.02.006 ↗
14. Kröncke, N., Grebenteuch, S., Keil, C., Demtröder, S., Kroh, L., Thünemann, A.F., Benning, R., and Haase, H. (2019). Effect of Different Drying Methods on Nutrient Quality of the Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Insects, 10.10.3390/insects10040084 ↗
15. Selaledi, L., and Mabelebele, M. (2021). The Influence of Drying Methods on the Chemical Composition and Body Color of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Insects, 12.10.3390/insects12040333 ↗
16. Bogusz, R., Pobiega, K., Rybak, K., Wiktor, A., Parniakov, O., Smetana, S., and Nowacka, M. (2023). The Pulsed Electric Field Treatment Effect on Drying Kinetics and Chosen Quality Aspects of Freeze-Dried Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Larvae. Appl. Sci., 13.10.3390/app131810251 ↗
17. Effect of Blanching Followed by Refrigerated Storage or Industrial Microwave Drying on the Microbial Load of Yellow Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor)10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.07.011 ↗
18. Effect of Post-Harvest Starvation and Rinsing on the Microbial Numbers and the Bacterial Community Composition of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor)10.1016/j.ifset.2017.06.004 ↗
19. Risks Related to the Presence of Salmonella Sp. during Rearing of Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) for Food or Feed: Survival in the Substrate and Transmission to the Larvae10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.01.026 ↗
20. Effects of Different Blanching Treatments on Microbiological Profile and Quality of the Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)10.3920/JIFF2018.0034 ↗
21. Effects of Different Blanching Treatments on Colour and Microbiological Profile of Tenebrio Molitor and Zophobas Morio Larvae10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113112 ↗
22. Strategies to Reduce Microbial Risk and Improve Quality of Fresh and Processed Strawberries: A Review10.1016/j.ifset.2018.12.012 ↗
23. The Application of PEF Technology in Food Processing and Human Nutrition10.1007/s13197-020-04512-4 ↗
24. Superheated Water Hydrolyses of Waste Silkworm Pupae Protein Hydrolysate: A Novel Application for Natural Dyeing of Silk Fabric10.1016/j.dyepig.2020.108678 ↗
25. Nitrogen-to-Protein Conversion Factors for Three Edible Insects: Tenebrio Molitor, Alphitobius Diaperinus, and Hermetia Illucens10.1021/acs.jafc.7b00471 ↗
26. Smarzyński, K., Sarbak, P., Kowalczewski, P.Ł., Różańska, M.B., Rybicka, I., Polanowska, K., Fedko, M., Kmiecik, D., Masewicz, Ł., and Nowicki, M. (2021). Low-Field NMR Study of Shortcake Biscuits with Cricket Powder, and Their Nutritional and Physical Characteristics. Molecules, 26.10.3390/molecules26175417 ↗
27. Kowalska, H., Trusińska, M., Rybak, K., Wiktor, A., Witrowa-Rajchert, D., and Nowacka, M. (2023). Shaping the Properties of Osmo-Dehydrated Strawberries in Fruit Juice Concentrates. Appl. Sci., 13.10.3390/app13042728 ↗
28. Ciurzyńska, A., Trusińska, M., Rybak, K., Wiktor, A., and Nowacka, M. (2023). The Influence of Pulsed Electric Field and Air Temperature on the Course of Hot-Air Drying and the Bioactive Compounds of Apple Tissue. Molecules, 28.10.3390/molecules28072970 ↗
29. Pulsed Electric Field Treatment of Soymilk: Impact on Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor Allergenicity, Antinutritional Factor, and Aroma Characteristics10.1111/1750-3841.16837 ↗
30. El Hajj, R., Mhemdi, H., Besombes, C., Allaf, K., Lefrançois, V., and Vorobiev, E. (2022). Edible Insects’ Transformation for Feed and Food Uses: An Overview of Current Insights and Future Developments in the Field. Processes, 10.10.3390/pr10050970 ↗
31. Studies on Microbial Quality, Protein Yield, and Antioxidant Properties of Some Frozen Edible Insects10.1155/2021/5580976 ↗
32. Shelf-Life Evaluation of Virgin Olive Oil Extracted from Olives Subjected to Nonthermal Pretreatments for Yield Increase10.1016/j.ifset.2016.09.009 ↗
33. Application of Pulsed Electric Field for Oil Extraction from Sunflower Seeds: Electrical Parameter Effects on Oil Yield10.1111/jfpe.12281 ↗
34. Bio-Refinery of Insects with Pulsed Electric Field Pre-Treatment10.1016/j.ifset.2020.102403 ↗
35. Dynamics of Heat Transfer and Moisture in Beef Jerky during Hot Air Drying10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108638 ↗
36. Insight into the Effect of Microwave Treatment on Fat Loss, Fatty Acid Composition and Microstructure of Pork Subcutaneous Back Fat10.1016/j.lwt.2023.115297 ↗
37. Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Flour: Extraction Yield (Protein, Fat and Chitin) and Techno-Functional Properties10.1016/j.ifset.2021.102908 ↗
38. Edible Insects as a Protein Source: A Review of Public Perception, Processing Technology, and Research Trends10.5851/kosfa.2019.e53 ↗
39. Tang, Y., Debnath, T., Choi, E.-J., Kim, Y.W., Ryu, J.P., Jang, S., Chung, S.U., Choi, Y.-J., and Kim, E.-K. (2018). Changes in the Amino Acid Profiles and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Tenebrio Molitor Larvae Following Enzymatic Hydrolysis. PLoS ONE, 13.10.1371/journal.pone.0196218 ↗
40. Nutritional Value of Mealworm, Tenebrio Molitor as Food Source
41. Hong, J., Han, T., and Kim, Y.Y. (2020). Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) as an Alternative Protein Source for Monogastric Animal: A Review. Animals, 10.10.3390/ani10112068 ↗
42. Joye, I. (2019). Protein Digestibility of Cereal Products. Foods, 8.10.3390/foods8060199 ↗
43. Tylewicz, U., Nowacka, M., Martín-García, B., Wiktor, A., and Gómez Caravaca, A.M. (2018). Polyphenols: Properties, Recovery, and Applications, Elsevier.
44. Kowalczewski, P.Ł., Gumienna, M., Rybicka, I., Górna, B., Sarbak, P., Dziedzic, K., and Kmiecik, D. (2021). Nutritional Value and Biological Activity of Gluten-Free Bread Enriched with Cricket Powder. Molecules, 26.10.3390/molecules26041184 ↗
45. Kowalska, J., Marzec, A., Domian, E., Galus, S., Ciurzyńska, A., Lenart, A., and Kowalska, H. (2020). The Use of Antioxidant Potential of Chokeberry Juice in Creating Pro-Healthy Dried Apples by Hybrid (Convection-Microwave-Vacuum) Method. Molecules, 25.10.3390/molecules25235680 ↗
46. Effects of Processing Methods on Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Larvae10.1111/1748-5967.12363 ↗
47. Impact of Different Pretreatments on Drying Kinetics and Quality of Button Mushroom Slices Dried by Hot-Air or Electrohydrodynamic Drying10.1016/j.lwt.2021.112894 ↗
48. Ruggeri, M., Bianchi, E., Vigani, B., Sánchez-Espejo, R., Spano, M., Totaro Fila, C., Mannina, L., Viseras, C., Rossi, S., and Sandri, G. (2023). Nutritional and Functional Properties of Novel Italian Spray-Dried Cricket Powder. Antioxidants, 12.10.3390/antiox12010112 ↗
49. Vanqa, N., Mshayisa, V.V., and Basitere, M. (2022). Proximate, Physicochemical, Techno-Functional and Antioxidant Properties of Three Edible Insect (Gonimbrasia belina, Hermetia illucens and Macrotermes subhylanus) Flours. Foods, 11.10.3390/foods11070976 ↗
50. Liu, X., Chen, X., Wang, H., Yang, Q., ur Rehman, K., Li, W., Cai, M., Li, Q., Mazza, L., and Zhang, J. (2017). Dynamic Changes of Nutrient Composition throughout the Entire Life Cycle of Black Soldier Fly. PLoS ONE, 12.10.1371/journal.pone.0182601 ↗
51. Shotgun Proteomics, in-Silico Evaluation and Immunoblotting Assays for Allergenicity Assessment of Lesser Mealworm, Black Soldier Fly and Their Protein Hydrolysates10.1038/s41598-020-57863-5 ↗
52. Freezing-Induced Denaturation of Myofibrillar Proteins in Frozen Meat
53. Structural and Rheological Properties of Meat Analogues from Haematococcus Pluvialis Residue-Pea Protein by High Moisture Extrusion10.1016/j.lwt.2021.112756 ↗
54. Physico-Chemical and Colloidal Properties of Protein Extracted from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.081 ↗
55. House Fly (Musca domestica) Larvae Meal as an Ingredient with High Nutritional Value: Microencapsulation and Improvement of Organoleptic Characteristics10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110423 ↗
56. Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Assisted Degreasing on the Technological Properties of Insect Powders Obtained from Acheta Domesticus & Tenebrio Molitor10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2020.110359 ↗
57. DFT-Calculated IR Spectrum Amide I, II, and III Band Contributions of N-Methylacetamide Fine Components10.1021/acsomega.9b04421 ↗
58. Mshayisa, V.V., Van Wyk, J., and Zozo, B. (2022). Nutritional, Techno-Functional and Structural Properties of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Flours and Protein Concentrates. Foods, 11.10.3390/foods11050724 ↗
59. (2021). Regulation (EU) 882/2021 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/882 of 1 June 2021 Authorising the Placing on the Market of Dried Tenebrio Molitor Larva as a Novel Food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and Amending Commission Im. Off. J. Eur. Union, L194, 16–20.
60. Listeria Dynamics in a Laboratory-Scale Food Chain of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) Intended for Human Consumption10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107246 ↗
61. Evaluation of Tenebrio Molitor Larvae as an Alternative Food Source10.1016/j.nfs.2020.10.001 ↗
62. Microbial Counts of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and Crickets (Acheta domesticus and Gryllodes sigillatus) from Different Rearing Companies and Different Production Batches10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.11.007 ↗
63. Microbial Community Assessment of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and Grasshoppers (Locusta migratoria Migratorioides) Sold for Human Consumption10.1016/j.fm.2015.09.010 ↗
64. Microbiological Aspects of Processing and Storage of Edible Insects10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.02.013 ↗
65. Edible Processed Insects from E-Commerce: Food Safety with a Focus on the Bacillus Cereus Group10.1016/j.fm.2018.06.008 ↗