Enhanced Antioxidant Properties of <i>Saccharomyces</i>-Fermented Defatted <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae Extract: A Sustainable Alternative Protein Source
The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using defatted <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae proteins as substrates in microbial fermentation, targeting the development of high-value products to combat age-related health issues. Amid increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-dense fo...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Fermentation |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/11/5/272 |
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| Summary: | The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using defatted <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae proteins as substrates in microbial fermentation, targeting the development of high-value products to combat age-related health issues. Amid increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-dense food sources, this study investigates the potential of extracts from <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae as functional bioactive materials. Specifically, it compares the biological antioxidant activities of defatted <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae extracts before (SMNFE) and after (SMFE) fermentation with <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>. Defatting removes lipids, while fermentation enhances the extract’s bioactivity. Biochemical analyses showed that SMFE had significantly higher total polyphenol (36.04 ± 1.04 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoid (12.69 ± 0.76 μg QE/mg) contents—over three times those of SMNFE. In addition, SMFE exhibited superior radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and electron-donating ability. The total amino acid content also increased by about 18% post-fermentation, with all measured amino acids except arginine showing elevated concentrations. These enhancements demonstrate the effectiveness of yeast fermentation in improving the nutritional and functional properties of insect-derived materials. The findings support the application of fermented insect extracts in medical foods and functional cosmetics, offering a promising direction for future bioconversion technologies. |
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| ISSN: | 2311-5637 |