Changes in Functionality of Tenebrio molitor Larvae Fermented by Cordyceps militaris Mycelia

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been estimating the potential of insects as human food since 2010, and for this reason, Tenebrio molitor larvae, also called mealworms, have been explored as an alternative protein source for various foods. In this study, in order to increase nutrient contents and improve preference as an alternative protein source, we fermented the T. molitor larvae by Cordyceps militaris mycelia. T. molitor larvae were prepared at optimal conditions for fermentation and fermented with C. militaris mycelia, and we analyzed T. molitor larvae change in functionality with proximate composition, β-glucan, cordycepin, adenosine, and free amino acids content. T. molitor larvae fermented by C. militaris mycelia showed higher total protein, total fiber, and β-glucan content than the unfermented larvae. In addition, the highest cordycepin content (13.75 mg/g) was observed in shaded dried T. molitor larvae fermented by C. militaris mycelia. Additionally, the isolated cordycepin from fermented T. molitor larvae showed similar cytotoxicity as standard cordycepin when treated with PC-9 cells. Therefore, we report that the optimized methods of T. molitor larvae fermented by C. militaris mycelia increase total protein, total fiber, β-glucan and produce the amount of cordycepin content, which can be contributed to healthy food and increase T. molitor larvae utilization.

Anti-obesity and immunomodulatory effects of oil and fermented extract dried from Tenebrio molitor larvae on aged obese mice

“…Edible insects are a sustainable bioactive peptide source due to their high protein content (Min et al 2016 ; Ha et al 2022 ). Among them, the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), specifically its larvae, commonly known as mealworms, serves as a viable source of bioactive peptides and is widely consumed (Chung et al 2013 ; Ha et al 2022 ).…”

“…Edible insects are a sustainable bioactive peptide source due to their high protein content (Min et al 2016 ; Ha et al 2022 ). Among them, the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor), specifically its larvae, commonly known as mealworms, serves as a viable source of bioactive peptides and is widely consumed (Chung et al 2013 ; Ha et al 2022 ). After conducting various preliminary safety studies, Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) was administered to participants at a dose of 3,000 mg/kg/day with observed non-toxicity, and TML was acknowledged as a new food ingredient by the Korean Food and Drug Administration in 2014 (Yoo et al 2013 ; Min et al 2016 ; Sim et al 2020 ).…”

Innovative Applications of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review

“…Given these ecological and sustainability concerns surrounding conventional protein sources, the scientific community has shifted its focus toward identifying alternative, sustainable sources of protein. Among these, insects have emerged as one of the most promising options [14][15][16][17][18].…”

Advances in the Use of Beneficial Microorganisms to Improve Nutritional and Functional Properties of Fermented Foods

“…Finally, Ha et al [ 12 ] performed the fermentation of Tenebrio molitor larvae by Cordyceps militaris mycelium to increase the contents of nutrients such as total protein, total fiber, β-glucan, and cordycepin contents. The proposed method could allow the bio-fortification of several foods, which is crucial for populations that do not have a proper and balanced diet.…”