Eco-Efficiency of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Protein Extracts

Abstract

The potential of edible insects as a novel ingredient in high value-added products has been investigated to find alternatives to conventional protein sources. Low acceptability of entomophagy is the main challenge, but the development of insect protein-based food products could improve consumer perception. Nevertheless, while insect rearing has a low environmental impact, there are no studies on environmental performance related to the production of insect protein extracts. In this work, Tenebrio molitor (TM) protein extracts were produced by protein alkaline solubilization (one or two steps) with or without isoelectric precipitation, and the global warming potential (GWP) related to the different protein extracts was calculated. The optimal lipid extraction rate was 86.9% using a hexane: ethanol ratio of 1:2. Protein extraction and purification rates ranged from 54.7 to 94.4% and 80.0 to 49.4%, respectively. Depending on the protein purification and allocation method applied, the GWP of a TM protein extract was 3,050 to 10,871 kg CO 2 eq. per ton of the extract produced. Eco-efficiency scores associated to TM proteins extracts were between those published with plant-based and animal-based protein sources, confirming the interesting environmental performance of insectderived protein ingredients.

Meat substitutes: Resource demands and environmental footprints

“…The GHGE impact of such protein fractions ranges from 3.05 to 10.87 kg CO 2 eq. kg −1 protein extract ( Laroche et al., 2022 ).…”

Dried Porous Biomaterials from Mealworm Protein Gels: Proof of Concept and Impact of Drying Method on Structural Properties and Zinc Retention

“…When considering protein sources, not only should their techno-functional properties be considered, but their environmental impact should also be considered [6,15]. In this context, insects such as mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are considered to be promising because they require only a little water and can be reared on organic waste [16]. Moreover, mealworm is an EFSA-approved raw material for food applications [17,18].…”

Protein Alternatives for Use in Fish Feed – Life Cycle Assessment of Black Soldier Fly, Yellow Mealworm and Soybean Protein

“…The consumption of fish in the human diet has increased, because fish contains valuable nutrients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids with functional effects [2]. As population continues to grow and is creating the need for more food, and at the same time, the food needs to be sustainable to minimize environmental impact [3]. To provide the necessary quantities of fish, resource consumption increases, including fish feed.…”