Nutritional,functional and biological properties of insect proteins: Processes for obtaining,consumption and future challenges

BackgroundConsuming insects as an alternative protein source is considered a future trend and a viable strategy that could potentially contribute to global food security. Insects are a non-conventional source of protein, either for human consumption directly or indirectly as a component in recomposed foods or added to feedstock mixtures. Moreover, these proteins have demonstrated a broad range of applications as peptides with antihypertensive, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, aspects such as food safety and processing of these proteins need further studies for their elucidation and optimization.Scope and approachIn this review, aspects of nutritional value and risks of insect consumption are reported. Additionally, conventional processing techniques and recent advances in insect protein extraction and production are presented. The application of bioactive peptides obtained from insect protein hydrolysates is reported, focusing on their potential antihypertensive, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.Key findings and conclusionsInsect proteins have great advantages in terms of nutritional value, total protein level and amino acid profile. However, some safety concerns must be taken into consideration in large-scale production. The conventional processing of insects proteins is very particular, depending on several aspects such as species, larval stage, and cultivation, among others. Nonetheless, recent advances in insect protein production via enzymatic hydrolysis and heterologous expression have shown a promising technology for the study and exploitation of their bioactive properties, such as the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antihypertensive (inhibition of ACE) activity of insect peptides.     

Postharvest processes of edible insects in Africa: A review of processing methods,and the implications for nutrition,safety and new products development

In many African cultures, insects are part of the diet of humans and domesticated animals. Compared to conventional food and feed sources, insects have been associated with a low ecological foot print because fewer natural resources are required for their production. To this end, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recognized the role that edible insects can play in improving global food and nutrition security; processing technologies, as well as packaging and storage techniques that improve shelf-life were identified as being crucial. However, knowledge of these aspects in light of nutritional value, safety, and functionality is fragmentary and needs to be consolidated. This review attempts to contribute to this effort by evaluating the available evidence on postharvest processes for edible insects in Africa, with the aim of identifying areas that need research impetus. It further draws attention to potential postharvest technology options for overcoming hurdles associated with utilization of insects for food and feed. A greater research thrust is needed in processing and this can build on traditional knowledge. The focus should be to establish optimal techniques that improve presentation, quality and safety of products, and open possibilities to diversify use of edible insects for other benefits.     

Edible Insects Processing: Traditional and Innovative Technologies

Insects are part of the human diet in many parts of the world. Their nutritional value is widely recognized. Currently, most edible insects are harvested from the wild, although semi‐domestication and indoor farming have increased insect availability and the sustainability of production. In traditional cultures, insects are processed in a number of ways (steaming, roasting, smoking, frying, stewing, and curing, among others) to improve their sensory and nutritional qualities as well as their shelf‐life. In order to increase consumer interest in the West, various technologies have been developed that are aimed primarily at using insects as ingredients in a non‐recognizable form, such as powders or flour. These technologies include drying (sun‐drying, freeze‐drying, oven‐drying, fluidized bed drying, and microwave‐drying) and new processing methods (ultrasound‐assisted extraction, cold atmospheric pressure plasma, and dry fractionation) designed mainly for protein, fat, and/or chitin extraction. Insect‐based ingredients are sold for the production of cookies, chocolates, tortilla‐style chips, and other snacks. This review focuses on edible insect production, processing technologies, and commercialization using strategies ranging from traditional to novel as a sustainable approach for improving food security worldwide.     

Functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae reared on canteen leftovers

This study investigated the functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae which represent a good source of proteins (30.12% dry matter). The proteins extracted in alkaline conditions (pH 11) were then isolated using two different recovery methods, (i) ultrafiltration, and (ii) isoelectric precipitation. Ultrafiltration provided higher purity of proteins (96.42%) but a lower extraction yield (24.30%) compared to isoelectric precipitation which provided a protein purity of 76.02% and higher extraction yield (37.22%). All essential amino acids were present in adequate quantities for human requirements. The fraction of proteins obtained by ultrafiltration had significantly higher oil holding capacity and foaming capacity than isoelectrically precipitated proteins. The protein fractions obtained by ultrafiltration and isoelectric precipitation had oil holding capacity of 125.8% and 81.6%, while the foaming capacity was 141.9% and 114.3%, respectively. These technological functionalities can be used to improve human food characteristics, thus resulting in enhanced consumer acceptance.Industrial relevanceThe food industry seeks alternative and sustainable sources of proteins, such as insect proteins, to reduce the environmental impact (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions). Consumers' acceptance is the main barrier to adopting edible insects in commercial applications. The acceptance increases when the insect proteins are incorporated in food products as ingredients rather than consuming the whole insect. Hence, this study focuses not only on extraction of proteins but also on functional properties of those proteins making it easier to target specific food formulations (i.e., whipped toppings), which require specific functionalities (i.e., foaming capacity and stability). The protein purity was increased by including an ultrafiltration step. The proteins obtained through the ultrafiltration method showed better oil holding capacity and foaming stability compared to proteins obtained by isoelectric precipitation. The strategies assessed in the present study help enhance the purity of larval proteins and improve their functional properties, thereby opening up new opportunities to incorporate this ingredient into targeted food formulations and improve consumer acceptance.     

Modification of plant proteins for improved functionality: A review

The market trend towards plant-based protein has seen a significant increase in the last decade. This trend has been projected to continue in the coming years because of the strong factors of sustainability and less environmental impact associated with the production of plant-based protein compared to animal, aside from other beneficial health claims and changes in consumers' dietary lifestyles. In order to meet market demand, there is a need to have plant-based protein ingredients that rival or have improved quality and functionality compared to the traditional animal protein ingredients they may replace. In this review article, we present a detailed and concise summary of the functionality challenges of some plant protein ingredients with associated physical, chemical, and biological processing techniques (traditional and emerging technologies) that have been attempted to enhance them. We cataloged the differences between several studies that seek to address the functionality challenges of selected plant-based protein ingredients without overtly commenting on a general technique that addresses the functionality of all plant-based protein ingredients. Additionally, we elucidated the chemistry behind some of these processing techniques and how they modify the protein structure for improved functionality. Although, many food industries are shifting away from chemical modification of proteins because of the demand for clean label product and the challenge of toxicity associated with scale-up of this technique, so physical and biological techniques are widely being adopted to produce a functional ingredient such as texturized vegetable proteins, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, clean label protein concentrates, de-flavored protein isolates, protein flour, and grits.     

Protein Modification During Ingredient Preparation and Food Processing: Approaches to Improve Food Processability and Nutrition

Global populations are growing and ageing, with each generation expecting a higher standard of living than their predecessor. Proteins are essential in daily diets because of their nutritional value and roles in food structure, and proteins are generally expensive. Rising awareness of food security and meeting the needs of ageing populations motivate food researchers to explore alternative protein sources and sustainable and optimized use of proteins to increase their bioavailability and digestibility. Proteins behave differently as a function of pH, ionic strength, temperature, pressure or enzymatic mechanism, prompting approaches to modify their structure and functionality. Proteins may lose their native structure and impart sensory changes as a result of processing and storage. Modified proteins are considered as value-added food ingredients, i.e. specialty proteins prepared using enzymatic reactions, hydrolysis, fermentation, heat treatment, acidification, dehydration, emulsification and ultrafiltration. Food formulation influences proteins at both molecular and macro-polymer levels. This review presents case studies from previous research and demonstrates approaches for improving protein stability, extractability and bioactivity. The need for combining protein modification and smart food formulation is highlighted. Synergies achieved between conventional ingredients and added bioactives through careful food formulation and processing are emphasized. Comprehensive characterization of chemical composition, particle size, surface activity, microstructure, freezing-thawing properties of proteins and derived foods is required, to explain structure-function relationships. Data suggest that specialty proteins will play an increasing role in current and future global food sectors. Convenient concept foods for addressing the global food security and ageing population issues are proposed.     

Common beans as a source of food ingredients: Techno-functional and biological potential

Common beans are an inexpensive source of high-quality food ingredients. They are rich in proteins, slowly digestible starch, fiber, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive molecules that could be separated and processed to obtain value-added ingredients with techno-functional and biological potential. The use of common beans in the food industry is a promising alternative to add nutritional and functional ingredients with a low impact on overall consumer acceptance. Researchers are evaluating traditional and novel technologies to develop functionally enhanced common bean ingredients, such as flours, proteins, starch powders, and phenolic extracts that could be introduced as functional ingredient alternatives in the food industry. This review compiles recent information on processing, techno-functional properties, food applications, and the biological potential of common bean ingredients. The evidence shows that incorporating an adequate proportion of common bean ingredients into regular foods such as pasta, bread, or nutritional bars improves their fiber, protein, phenolic compounds, and glycemic index profile without considerably affecting their organoleptic properties. Additionally, common bean consumption has shown health benefits in the gut microbiome, weight control, and the reduction of the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. However, food matrix interaction studies and comprehensive clinical trials are needed to develop common bean ingredient applications and validate the health benefits over time.     

Insects as ingredients for bakery goods. A comparison study of H. illucens,A. domestica and T. molitor flours

Due to a rising demand for proteins, food industry is considering new alternative protein sources that can be used for human food. The aim of this research was to explore the potential use of insects' flour as protein-rich ingredient for bakery products. Hermetia illucens, Acheta domestica and Tenebrio molitor were ground and used to replace 5% wheat flour in doughs and breads. The protein content of the insect flours ranged from 45% to 57% (d.m.) and fat content from 27% to 36% (d.m.). The inclusion of insects' flour affected the rheological properties (water absorption and stability), of dough during mixing, having less water adsorption. Breadmaking process could be carried out with all the composite flours. Breads containing A. domestica flour showed similar specific volume and texture parameters than wheat bread, but with higher content of proteins and fibers. Globally, results confirmed the usefulness of insects' flour for making breads with improved nutritional value.Industrial relevanceThis study evaluated the potential application of three different insects as protein source ingredients for bakery products. Results confirm that insects flour could be added to replace wheat flour in breads without significantly affecting dough properties and leading to breads with acceptable technological quality and improved nutritional profile.     

Most promising alternative protein sources possible to use in sports nutrition – A review

A growing world population and ongoing climate change have created a need to find new sources of high-quality food, especially protein, that are sustainable and environmentally friendly and help to reduce unsustainable livestock production. Therefore, it is necessary to look for sources of protein from new raw materials or to use existing materials that have not been used on a large scale. The highest protein intake characterises athletes; thus, the market for high-protein products should be targeted for them. This paper outlines the main problems associated with protein production to date, mainly from animal sources and some known plant sources such as pulses, which can cause gastrointestinal problems in athletes. This review aimed to propose several new/alternative protein sources (Single Cell Protein, edible insects, algae, and potato protein) that may have the potential for use in food, including food for athletes while solving the described problems associated with existing protein sources. Insects have the best amino acid composition; microbial and algal proteins have great potential but require further development of technology for application to food products. Potato proteins are of high value and quality but also contain glycoalkaloids. However, using them brings additional economic and environmental benefits.     

Global Market for Dairy Proteins

This review examines the global market for dairy ingredients by assessing the global demand for dairy products in relation to major dairy ingredient categories. Each broad category of dairy ingredients is reviewed including its definition, production and trade status, key applications, and future trends. Ingredient categories examined include whole and skim milk powders (WMPs, SMPs), whey protein concentrates (WPCs) and whey protein isolates (WPIs), milk protein concentrates (MPCs) and milk protein isolates (MPIs), caseins, and caseinates. Increases in world population and improvements in socioeconomic conditions will continue to drive the demand for dairy products and ingredients in the future. Dairy proteins are increasingly recognized to have nutritional and functional advantages compared to many protein sources, and the variety of ingredients with different protein concentrations, functionality, and flavor can meet the needs of the increasingly global dairy consumption. A thorough understanding of the variety of ingredients, how the ingredients are derived from milk, and how the demand from particular markets affects the supply situation are critical elements in understanding the current ingredient marketplace.     

Maximizing the value of milk through separation technologies.

Milk is the source of a wide range of proteins that deliver nutrition to the most promising new food products today. Isolated milk proteins are natural, trusted food ingredients with excellent functionality. Separation technologies provide the basis for adding value to milk through the production of proteins that provide the food industry with ingredients to meet specific needs, not possible with milk itself or with other ingredients. The major milk proteins, casein and whey protein, can be isolated by manipulating their compositional and physical properties and then by using various separation technologies to recover the proteins. Additionally, they can be processed in various ways to create a wide range of ingredients with diverse functional characteristics. These ingredients include milk protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, casein, caseinate, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, hydrolysates, and various milk fractions. Within each of these ingredient categories, there is further differentiation according to the functional and nutritional requirements of the finished food. Adding value to milk by expanding from consumer products to ingredients often requires different technologies, marketing structure and distribution channels. The worldwide market for both consumer products and ingredients from milk continues to grow. Technology often precedes market demand. Methods for the commercial production of individual milk components now exist, and in the future as clinical evidence develops, the opportunity for adding value to dairy products as functional foods with health benefits may be achieved. The research and development of today will be the basis of those value-added milk products for tomorrow.     

Eat or not eat: an analysis of the status of entomophagy in Botswana

In Botswana, mopane worm Imbrasia belina Westwood is culturally accepted as food by people of different age groups from different regions and districts. However, there are several other insect that are anecdotally known to be edible in Botswana. To verify this, a study was conducted by means of a questionnaire and discussions among Batswana of different age groups from six districts in the country to obtain the names of insects that are known to be edible. A total of 27 insect species was identified. The study also investigated methods of collection, processing, precooking preparation, cooking methods, storage and recipes. Chi-square analysis showed that people’s knowledge of edible insects differed with districts and age groups. Older people were more familiar with uncommon edible insect compared to the younger generation. With the exception of mopane worm, the majority of the people interviewed, especially the young, had not eaten any of the species, despite knowing that they were edible. This shows that, apart from the use of mopane worm, entomophagy (the eating of insect by humans) as practiced among Batswana is declining. However, in the light of current decline in food production in Africa, especially in the arid regions of Botswana, insects may make a valuable contribution to the protein and calories of many peoples’ diets. A shift from traditional harvesting to mass production of insects has the potential to provide animal protein to humans through direct consumption or indirectly when used as livestock feed, and could reduce malnutrition.     

可食用昆虫资源的利用历史、现状及展望

可食用昆虫作为补充食品，为农村地区的人口提供了重要的营养、经济和生态价值。本文综述了可食用昆虫资源的研究进展，包括可食用昆虫资源的利用历史、在全球的种类与分布、东西方国家对此的态度倾向等，并根据目前的现状，就可食用昆虫食品的开发利用提出了一些合理化的建议。     

Forest biomass waste as a potential innovative source for rearing edible insects for food and feed – A review

Worldwide, huge quantities of organic wastes are generated annually in the forest industry, but most of these wastes are discarded. Only a minor proportion is used, mainly for biofuel and secondarily for compost production. Simultaneously, demand for more and new food products is increasing due to rapid growth in the global population. In recent years, use of edible insects has been proposed as one promising solution to an upcoming food supply crisis. The rearing of insects for human food and livestock feed has some significant advantages, like high protein content, effective feed conversion rate, low greenhouse gas emissions and low water requirements. The aim of this review was to compile up-to-date information on rearing edible insects for food and feed and to investigate the potential use of forest biomass waste as a new substrate for insect rearing.     

A systematic review of nutrient composition data available for twelve commercially available edible insects,and comparison with reference values

BackgroundEdible insects have been proposed as a more environmentally sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional livestock. In response to the promotion of insects as food and feed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, insect agriculture is now a growing industry across the world. Yet information regarding the nutritional composition of commercially available insect species is disparate in terms of data quality, the location of published sources, and the form in which data is presented.Scope and approachWe conducted a systematic review of all published nutrient composition data for twelve selected species of commercially available edible insect. Our objective was to create a nutrient composition table in line with INFOODS/EuroFIR guidelines, and to present the results in a standardised form that is easily comprehensible for nutritionists and policy-makers.Key findings and conclusionsOur results expose the low quality of data describing edible insect nutritional composition, when compared to INFOODS/EuroFIR recommendations. This calls attention to the need for greater adherence to international guidelines in this field. The data that were included in our final table show clear within-species variation in the proportion of both macro- and micronutrients. This highlights the importance of external factors such as feed and ecology in determining nutrient composition.     

New protein sources and food legislation: the case of edible insects and EU law

Growing global food demand has generated a greater interest in the consumption of new and diversified protein sources. Novel foodstuffs represent a challenge for food law as they need proper safety assessments before obtaining market permission. The case of edible insects and European law is a good representation of this issue because a selection of food grade insect species may be available on the European market in the coming years. However, European legislation does not explicitly address edible insects. Consequently, this has left a grey area, allowing different interpretations of the legislation among Member States. The aim of this paper is to analyse the challenge of the safe management of edible insects in the context of the current legal framework. The current Novel Food legislation, as well as the forthcoming version of the legislation, will be analysed and discussed in relation to edible insects. Particular attention will be paid to the evolution of legislation and to the experiences of both EU and non-EU countries. In recent years, a number of different stakeholders have supported the legalization of edible insect consumption in Europe, but market permission is just the first step towards a new framework for a novel food in a regulatory context. Once admitted, edible insects require proper rules to assure consumers and stakeholders of their benefits and safety. This overview highlights the need to develop clearer legislation to govern the future production and consumption of new food in Europe, provide guarantees to producers, and achieve consumer protection.     

Nonthermal technologies affecting techno-functional properties of edible insect-derived proteins,lipids, and chitin: A literature review

To increase the acceptability of edible insects, different strategies have been suggested to dispel neophobia toward this novel food. Extracts of the main nutritional components of insects have been proposed as food ingredients. However, extraction methods can affect the techno-functional properties of insect extracts, especially when heat is applied. Therefore, nonthermal technologies have recently attracted the attention of researchers. Among nonthermal technologies, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound (US) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAPP) have been described and discussed in the current review considering their effect on techno-functional properties of proteins, lipids, and chitin in insect-derived products. HHP and PEF have demonstrated great potential to improve insect protein solubility, whereas the oil holding capacity (OHC) was positively affected by PEF. The water holding capacity (WHC) showed a different performance according to insect species (Gryllodes sigillatus, Acheta domesticus, or Tenebrio molitor) and treatment applied (e.g., HHP). Of note, greater foaming capacity of insect proteins was achieved by applying HHP and US. Regarding insect lipids US assisted extraction with ethanol:water (E:W) extraction, fats rich in unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid) were obtained, whereas, regarding insect chitin, further studies are necessary to clearly understand and improve its extractability.     

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed and its Potential Food Applications: A Review

Kenaf belongs to the family Malvaceae noted for their economic and horticultural importance. Kenaf seed is a valuable component of kenaf plant. For several years, it has been primarily used as a cordage crop and secondarily as a livestock feed. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of food‐based products has not been fully exploited. Consumers are becoming more interested in naturally healthy plant‐based food products. Kenaf seed, the future crop with a rich source of essential nutrients and an excellent source of phytocompounds, might serve suitable roles in the production of value‐added plant‐based foods. At present kenaf seed and its value‐added components have not been effectively utilized for both their nutritional and functional properties as either ingredient or major constituent of food products. This review focuses on the possible food applications of kenaf seed and its value‐added components based on their nutritional composition and functional properties available in literature, with the purpose of providing an overview on the possible food applications of this underutilized seed. The review focuses on a brief introduction on kenaf plant, nutritional function, lipids and proteins composition and food applications of the seed. The review elaborately discusses the seed in terms of; bioactive components, antioxidants enrichment of wheat bread, antimicrobial agents, as edible flour, as edible oil and a source of protein in food system. The review closes with discussion on other possible food applications of kenaf seed. The need for food scientists and technologists to exploit this natural agricultural product as a value‐added food ingredient is of great significance and is emphasized.     

Wool keratin as a novel alternative protein: A comprehensive review of extraction,purification, nutrition,safety, and food applications

The growing global population and lifestyle changes have increased the demand for specialized diets that require protein and other essential nutrients for humans. Recent technological advances have enabled the use of food bioresources treated as waste as additional sources of alternative proteins. Sheep wool is an inexpensive and readily available bioresource containing 95%–98% protein, making it an outstanding potential source of protein for food and biotechnological applications. The strong structure of wool and its indigestibility are the main hurdles to achieving its potential as an edible protein. Although various methods have been investigated for the hydrolysis of wool into keratin, only a few of these, such as sulfitolysis, oxidation, and enzymatic processes, have the potential to generate edible keratin. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity studies reported no cytotoxicity effects of extracted keratin, suggesting its potential for use as a high-value protein ingredient that supports normal body functions. Keratin has a high cysteine content that can support healthy epithelia, glutathione synthesis, antioxidant functions, and skeletal muscle functions. With the recent spike in new keratin extraction methods, extensive long-term investigations that examine prolonged exposure of keratin generated from these techniques in animal and human subjects are required to ascertain its safety. Food applications of wool could improve the ecological footprint of sheep farming and unlock the potential of a sustainable protein source that meets demands for ethical production of animal protein.     

世界冰淇淋研究和工艺新发展

<正> 冰淇淋及相关甜食的制造历史已有几百年,如今已经发展成为一项全球大规模的商业项目。据估计,全球冰淇淋及其相关产品的总体产业价值约为230亿欧元,如果小规模的生产商也包括在内,这个数字将上升至370亿欧元。冰淇淋在全球乳制品的销售中占17%的份额。工业合并产生了站在全球工业前沿的大型跨国