• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.521-530
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of cookies with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and black soybean powder. The leavening rates, and loss ratios were significantly increased with adding up the amount of mealworm powder (p < 0.05). The total polyphenol, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability, FRAP activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and ABTS radical scavenging ability (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) were all significantly increased as mealworm powder contents increased. In addition, cookies containing both mealworm and black soybean powder were higher in total polyphenol, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities than cookies containing only mealworm powder (p < 0.05).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.383-390
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• 2023

The goal of this study was to identify new bioactive peptides in extracts derived from Tenebrio molitor (T. molitor) larvae for the development of functional foods. After extraction from freeze-dried T. molitor larvae with various solvents on time course, the extracts showed the highest 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity at 5 and 10 hr per total protein and solid contents, respectively. When the water extract was fractionated, a high methanol concentration led to a reduced level of high-molecular-weight proteins in the centrifugal supernatant, whereas increased DPPH activity in the supernatants suggests low-molecular-weight peptides may mediate antioxidant activity in the supernatant. Most of the organic solvent partitions, excluding butanol, showed similar activities in the water phases, and the organic solvent partition fraction exhibited a 28~44% decrease in activity following heat treatment, implying that some components in the fraction become unstable in the presence of heat. The addition of proteinase K to the water extract increased DPPH activity by 10~20%, suggesting that peptides, when released from total proteins, partially increase antioxidant activity. Therefore, we suggest that the antioxidants in T. molitor larval extracts make them a potential source of functional animal food.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.172-177
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• 2024

Many studies have reported that mealworms can ingest plastic during their larval stage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of expanded polystyrene consumption on the growth and development of mealworms during their larval stage. We found that the growth rate is significantly different between mealworms consumed wheat bran and mealworms consumed expanded polystyrene (p < 0.001). The transformation into pupa occurred faster among the mealworms consumed expanded polystyrene than those consumed wheat bran (p < 0.001). However, the survival rate was not significantly different between the two groups of mealworms (p = 0.786). Based on the data, we conclude that mealworms consuming expanded polystyrene have a slower weight gain and a shorter development period than mealworms consuming wheat bran, but the expanded polystyrene does not affect the survival rate before the transformation into pupa. Practically, we anticipate that mealworms can be a resource for the sustainable and eco-friendly removal of expanded polystyrene waste.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2018

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of 3 pre-treatment of mealworm(Tenebrio molitor), and offer basic research data through appropriate pre-treatment method based on the component analysis result. This study was preparing the control group sample No.0(not contain mealworm), and the other sample (Sample No.1,2,3) was using the mealworm prepared in each of the three methods. By using the sample, this study conducted an inspection for component analysis, mineral contents, pH, color value, total amount polyphenols, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, acceptance test. Each experiments are three times repeated and validated following the one-way ANOVA analysis to verify a significant difference. Acceptance test conducted by 50 consumers indicate consumption decision for sunsik. using the seven point scale, assessment for appearance, flavor, taste, texture, overall acceptance. The research findings showed that sample containing sauted mealworm(SE2) is higher preference and significant in antioxidant activity(total amount polyphenols, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power). Therefore, it is better to use sauted. The result of this study suggest that sauted mealworm is good ingredient for consumer acceptability and functionality of sunsik. According to results of the study, it is suggested to make better use of food, and provide food developer with meaningful date for market targeting. In addition, this study also provides the information for improving awareness of edible insect.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.296-308
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• 2019

Although the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a promising alternative protein source, the effects of processing conditions on functional properties are unclear. In this study, a protein extract of yellow mealworm larvae (PEYM) was subjected to different heat temperature ($55^{\circ}C$, $75^{\circ}C$, and $95^{\circ}C$) with different time (20, 40, and 60 min) to evaluate the functional properties and protein oxidation. Different heat temperature treatment significantly affected the exposure of surface hydrophobicity of the proteins and protein molecule aggregation, which reached maximum levels at $95^{\circ}C$ for 60 min. Protein oxidation was inversely proportional to the temperature. Both the highest carbonyl value (1.49 nmol/mg protein) and lowest thiol value (22.94 nmol/mg protein) were observed at $95^{\circ}C$ for 60 min. The heating time-temperature interaction affected several functional properties, including solubility, emulsifying potential, and gel strength (GS). Solubility decreased near the isoelectric point (pH 5 to 6). As the temperature and heating time increased, emulsifying properties decreased and GS increased. The oil absorption capacity and foaming properties decreased and the water absorption capacity increased. These results confirmed that PEYM is a suitable source of proteins for processing and applications in the food industry.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.31-39
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• 2016

The reasons for selecting insects as future food are high growth and feed conversion rates, reproduce quickly, low environmental footprint, valuable source of nutrients, and source of a various undeveloped functional materials. Since 2014, Tenebrio molitor larva, Protaetia brevitarsis larva, Allomyrina dichotoma larva, and Gryllus bimaculatus were registered as new food in Korea because it has been scientifically proven that they are not harmful to eat and nutritious. Therefore they can be legally produced and sold as food. Accordingly, there are 7 species of edible insects including grasshopper, silkworm pupa, and Baekgangjam in Korea. To improve aversion to edible insects, using their powder, chop, and gravy hidden their morphology, we developed more than 100 different kinds of recipes for general food menu, held several times tasting events to be familiar with edible insect food, and published cookbooks. Moreover, we developed more than 50 kinds of recipes for patients. To eat the insect food more and more people, we have been analyzed various function of insects. If health food based on the results of functional analysis is developed, edible insect's value will be raised. If various insect foods are developed and consumed by people, edible insect market will grow up more than 100 billion won in 2020.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Sciences Society Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.202-202
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• 2019

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) was evaluated to investigate the effect of partial or total replacement of fish meal in diets for white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Experimental groups of shrimp with average initial body weight (2.43 ± 0.54 g) were fed each with 4 isonitrogeneous (38% crude protein) diets formulated to include 0, 25, 50 and 100% (diets 1 to 4, respectively) of fish meal substituted with mealworm. After eight weeks of feeding trials, shrimp fed with diet 3 and 4 revealed the highest values for live weight gain(8.01 ± 2.51 and 7.93 ± 1.12), specific growth rates (2.70 ± 1.12 and 2.59 ± 0.51) as well as better feed conversion ratio (2.69 ± 0.09 and 2.72 ± 0.19) compared to the control group with statistically significant manner (p<0.05). Survival range was 98% in all the treatments. An increase in weight gain and other growth associated parameters was observed with higher replacement. These results clearly indicate that 50% and 100% of fish meal protein in shrimp diet can be replaced by mealworm not only without any adverse effect but also the effect of promoting growth performance.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.86-97
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• 2024

Alkaline- or salt-assisted extractions have been widely used to extract edible insect proteins, however, there is a need for extraction techniques that balance cost-efficient production as well as preserving the protein properties. Mealworm proteins (Tenebrio molitor larvae) were extracted using three different extraction methods-alkali (AMP), salt (SMP), and water (WMP)-and then physicochemical and techno-functional properties were examined. AMP had high yield, protein, and amino acid contents, whereas WMP had high moisture, ash, and fat contents. SDS-PAGE showed a wide range of molecular weights in WMP whereas mostly low molecular weights were observed in AMP and SMP. AMP had poor protein solubilities compared to SMP and WMP across all pHs. AMP had enhanced water-holding capacity and emulsion stability, whereas WMP had improved oil-holding capacity and foaming properties. WMP formed a gel with and without the transglutaminase. The physicochemical and techno-functional properties demonstrated that water-soluble mealworm protein was superior to alkali-and salt-soluble mealworm proteins. Considering the cost efficiency and minimal impact on the environment as well, a cold press juicer could be utilized for mass production of mealworm protein compared to the conventional methods of protein extraction using alkali and salt.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.860-866
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• 2020

This study examined the characteristics of eggs obtained from layer chickens reared with feed that included Tenebrio molitor larvae, which were in turn bred using feed that included dried food waste powder. The eggs showed a tendency to be slightly thinner in the treated groups, but the Haugh unit indicating freshness was higher in the treated groups than the control group, and the 5% larval-treated group showed the highest value. The color of the yolk tended toward higher redness, lower brightness, and lower yellowness in the 5%-treated group, which also showed similar crude fat and protein values to the control group; the 10%- and 15% larval-treated groups had lower crude fat and protein values, although the carbohydrate content was higher. Structural amino acids in the treated groups showed a higher ratio of non-essential amino acids to essential amino acids than the control. The polyphenol content, which is an index of antioxidants, was highest in the 5%-treated group, and it is thought that this may affect the storage and antioxidant properties of the eggs. Thus, when employed with a feed source to maintain high protein and high fat, T. molitor larvae may cause critical changes in the nutrient content of eggs and improve their freshness.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.286-295
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• 2017

This study was performed to develop a liquid flavoring material from Tenebrio molitor larva by using Aspergillus oryzae. T. molitor with 1% A. oryzae for 48 hours yielded the highest protease activity. Different salt concentrations and rice flour addition affected the fermentation characteristics for 90 days. LN (low salt, rice flour non-addition) yielded high protease activity, and total nitrogen and amino-type nitrogen contents. LN showed Glu accounting to 15.16% of the free amino acids and yielded high scores of sweet and savory taste, and overall acceptance after 90 days. Rice flour addition group showed high content of total and reducing sugars with high amylase activity, however, low salt concentration had more effect on sensory acceptance than rice flour addition had (p<0.05). All samples had total acidity <1% and LN (90) showed the highest browning index and aroma intensity, as noted from maillard reaction, as well as good sensory acceptance.