Cricket Protein Isolate Extraction: Effect of Ammonium Sulfate on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Proteins

Abstract

Crickets are known to be a promising alternative protein source. However, a negative consumer bias and an off-flavor have become obstacles to the use of these insects in the food industry. In this study, we extracted the protein from commercial cricket powder by employing alkaline extraction–acid precipitation and including ammonium sulfate. The physicochemical and functional properties of the proteins were determined. It was found that, upon including 60% ammonium sulfate, the cricket protein isolate (CPI) had the highest protein content (~94%, w/w). The circular dichroism results indicated that a higher amount of ammonium sulfate drastically changed the secondary structure of the CPI by decreasing its α-helix content and enhancing its surface hydrophobicity. The lowest solubility of CPI was observed at pH 5. The CPI also showed better foaming properties and oil-holding capacity (OHC) compared with the cricket powder. In conclusion, adding ammonium sulfate affected the physicochemical and functional properties of the CPI, allowing it to be used as an alternative protein in protein-enriched foods and beverages.

Chitosan Alginate Nanoparticles of Protein Hydrolysate from Acheta domesticus with Enhanced Stability for Skin Delivery

“…Despite its potent bioactivities, PH faces limitations as an active ingredient in cosmetic/cosmeceutical products due to its instability, e.g., the Maillard reaction during thermal processing can affect both the technological-functional characteristics and bioactive properties through protein cross-linking, glycation, and aggregation, thereby promoting proteolytic degradation [ 9 ]. Additionally, pH and salt significantly impact the physicochemical properties and structure of A. domesticus protein, affecting solubility, water-holding, emulsion-forming, and foaming capacities [ 10 , 11 ]. Regarding the potential proteolytic degradation from diverse factors, novel strategies to protect the PH against adverse degradation would be essential to ensure stability and sustained effectiveness.…”