Work

Unveiling the protein profile and techno-functional potential of edible cricket protein concentrates: A comparative study of different body parts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Leg and antenna have 4-5 % more protein than whole cricket fractions. • Leg and antenna protein show higher solubility and foaming, but lower digestibility. • Cross-allergy risk in cricket proteins demands precise labeling in foods. Edible crickets ( Acheta domesticus ) are a promising sustainable ingredient for diverse food applications. This study evaluated the protein characteristics and techno-functional properties of protein concentrates from cricket legs and antennae (LPC), head and torso (HPC), and whole body (WPC). Analyses included proximate composition, techno-functionality, and protein profiles, including Osborne solubility fractions, molecular weight distribution, amino acid profile, in-vitro digestibility, and ATR-FTIR structural analysis. LPC had the highest protein content (75.24 g/100 g d.w.), outperforming HPC (70.20) and WPC (71.88). Glutelins (21.45–28.28 %) and albumins (20.10–25.85 %) were the predominant protein fractions, followed by globulins (5.26–6.05 %) and prolamins (3.80–4.80 %) across all samples. LPC showed a superior foaming capacity (75.3 %) compared to WPC (71.2 %) and HPC (67 %), suggesting suitability for aerated food applications. However, LPC had a lower Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 0.73 compared to HPC (0.86) and WPC (0.84), due to reduced amino acid scores and in-vitro digestibility. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed abundant intermolecular β-sheets in all protein concentrates, indicating a tendency to form aggregates after processing. These findings highlight the potential of cricket protein concentrates from different body parts for diverse food applications, considering their distinct functional properties and limitations.

Source: Future Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2025.100612

Authors: Alejandro Brena-Melendez, Johanan del Pino Espinosa Ramírez, Luis Eduardo Garcia-Amezquita, Mayra Deyanira Ramírez Aguirre, Andrea Liceaga, Viridiana Tejada-Ortigoza

Institutions: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Insect Utilization and Effects

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,990