Insights into the effects of dietary supplements on the nutritional composition and growth performance of sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae

Valorization of Pig Brains for Prime Quality Oil: A Comparative Evaluation of Organic-Solvent-Based and Solvent-Free Extractions

Pig processing industries have produced large quantities of by-products, which have either been discarded or used to make low-value products. This study aimed to provide recommendations for manufacturing edible oil from pig brains, thereby increasing the value of pork by-products. The experiment compared non-solvent extraction methods, specifically wet rendering and aqueous saline, to a standard solvent extraction method, the Bligh and Dyer method, for extracting oil from pig brains. The yield, color, fatty acid profile, a number of lipid classes, and lipid stability against lipolysis and oxidation of the pig brain oil were comprehensively compared, and the results revealed that these parameters varied depending on the extraction method. The wet rendering process provided the highest extracted oil yield (~13%), followed by the Bligh and Dyer method (~7%) and the aqueous saline method (~2.5%). The Bligh and Dyer method and wet rendering techniques produced a translucent yellow oil; however, an opaque light-brown-red oil was found in the aqueous saline method. The Bligh and Dyer method yielded the oil with the highest phospholipid, cholesterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and free fatty acid contents (p < 0.05). Although the Bligh and Dyer method recovered the most unsaturated fatty acids, it also recovered more trans-fatty acids. Aqueous saline and wet rendering procedures yielded oil with low FFA levels (<1 g/100 g). The PV of the oil extracted using all methods was <1 meq/kg; however, the Bligh and Dyer method had a significant TBARS content (7.85 mg MDA equivalent/kg) compared to aqueous saline (1.75 mg MDA equivalent/kg) and wet rendering (1.14 mg MDA equivalent/kg) (p < 0.05). FTIR spectra of the pig brain oil revealed the presence of multiple components in varying quantities, as determined by chemical analysis experiments. Given the higher yield and lipid stability and the lower cholesterol and trans-fatty acid content, wet rendering can be regarded as a simple and environmentally friendly method for safely extracting quality edible oil from pig brains, which may play an important role in obtaining financial benefits, nutrition, the zero-waste approach, and increasing the utilization of by-products in the meat industry.

Utilizing the pH-Shift Method for Isolation and Nutritional Characterization of Mantis Shrimp (Oratosquilla nepa) Protein: A Strategy for Developing Value-Added Ingredients

This study focused on the production of protein isolates from mantis shrimp (MS). The pH-shift method was investigated to understand its impact on the protein yield, quality, and properties of the produced isolates. The first step was determining how the pH affected the protein solubility profile, zeta potential, and brown discoloration. The pH-shift process was then established based on the maximum and minimum protein solubilization. The solubilization pH had a significant impact on the mass yield and color of the produced protein, with a pH of 1.0 producing the maximum mass in the acidic region, whereas a maximum was found at a pH of 12.0 in the alkaline region (p < 0.05). Both approaches yielded mantis shrimp protein isolates (MPIs) with precipitation at a pH of 4.0 and a mass yield of around 25% (dw). The TCA-soluble peptide and TBARS levels were significantly lower in the MPI samples compared to MS raw material (p < 0.05). The MPIs maintained essential amino acid index (EAAI) values greater than 90%, indicating a high protein quality, and the pH-shift procedure had no negative impact on the protein quality, as indicated by comparable EAAI values between the mantis shrimp protein isolate extract acid (MPI-Ac), mantis shrimp protein isolate extract alkaline (MPI-Al), and MS raw material. Overall, the pH-shift approach effectively produced protein isolates with favorable quality and nutritional attributes.

The contribution of commonly consumed edible insects to nutrition security in the Eastern D.R. Congo

Edible insects are perceived as an incredible opportunity to mitigate the major challenge of sustainably producing healthy foods for a growing world population in the face of climate change uncertainties over the coming decade. In this study, we assessed the nutrient composition and sensory properties of Acheta domesticus, Apis mellifera, Gnathocera trivittata, Gryllotalpa africana, Imbrasia epimethea, Imbrasia oyemensis, Locusta migratoria, Macrotermes subhylanus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Ruspolia differens and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus consumed in Eastern D. R. Congo. The investigated edible insects are highly appreciated and nutritious, with proteins (20.67-43.93 g/100 g) and fats (14.53-36.02 g/100 g) being the major macro-nutrients, proving their potential to improve diets through food enrichment. The high potassium (24-386.67 mg/100 g), sodium (152-257.82 mg/100 g), magnesium (32-64 mg/100 g), iron (5.3-16.13 mg/100 g), calcium (25-156.67 mg/100 g) and zinc (11-19.67 mg/100 g) content make the assessed edible insects a useful mineral-containing ingredient for preventing undernutrition in countries which are plagued by micronutrient deficiencies. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson's correlations between sensory attributes and nutritional composition showed a negative correlation (r = - 0.45) between protein and appearance. While no strong correlation was observed between nutritional attributes and sensory acceptance, a positive correlation was observed between potassium and aroma (r = 0.50), after-taste (r = 0.50) and acceptability (r = 0.52). Principal component analysis results indicated that the two axes accounted for up to 97.4% of the observed variability in the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects in the Eastern D. R. Congo. Given the significant delicacy and nutritional potential of edible insects highlighted in this paper, households can rely on the latter to meet their nutritional needs rather than conventional livestock, thus contributing to environmental and financial security through local business opportunities.

Fatty Acid Profile and Thermal Behavior of Fat-Rich Edible Insect Oils Compared to Commonly Consumed Animal and Plant Oils

This study compared the physicochemical properties of edible insect oils from silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupa (SP), sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larva (PW), and bamboo caterpillar (Omphisa fuscidentalis; BC) to oils from chicken skin (CK), beef back fat (BF), pork back fat (PF), salmon belly (SB), sea bass belly (BB), coconut (C), and peanut (P). The fatty acid profiles and thermal behaviors (crystallization and melting) of the extracted oils were evaluated. PW and BC oils had more saturated fatty acids (SFAs) than CK, PF, SB, BB, and P oils. SP oil had equivalent SFA content to CK and BB oils. Insect oils exhibited similar monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations in all samples, except C oils. PW and BC oils exhibited a higher content of palmitoleic acid than the other oils. SP oils contained polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to those in SB and BB oils, which were higher than those in PW, BC, CK, BF, and PF oils. SP oil also exhibited the highest concentration of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3). Arachidonic acid (0.01-0.02 g/100 g) in all insect oils was lower level compared to CK, BF, PF, SB, and BB oils. SP oil (0.03 g/100 g) exhibited a slightly higher level of eicosapentaenoic acid compared to PW (0.01 g/100 g) and BC (0.01 g/100 g) oils. The insect oils were liquid at ambient temperature, solid below -15°C, and required less energy (△Hm-max) for melting than other samples. This study indicated that insects, particularly SP, could serve as an alternative source of fat to meet its growing demand.

Combined Analysis of Metabolomics and Biochemical Changes Reveals the Nutritional and Functional Characteristics of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae at Different Developmental Stages

In this study, the changes in the conventional nutrient and mineral compositions as well as the metabolomics characteristics of the red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophus ferrugineus Olivier (Curculionidae: Coleoptera) larvae at early (EL), middle (ML) and old (OL) developmental stages were investigated. Results showed that the EL and ML had the highest content of protein (53.87 g/100 g dw) and fat (67.95 g/100 g), respectively, and three kinds of RPW larvae were all found to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids (52.17-53.12%), potassium (5707.12-15,865.04 mg/kg) and phosphorus (2123.87-7728.31 mg/kg). In addition, their protein contained 17 amino acids with the largest proportion of glutamate. A total of 424 metabolites mainly including lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, organic heterocycle compounds, alkaloids and their derivatives, etc. were identified in the RPW larvae. There was a significant enrichment in the ABC transport, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and mTOR signaling pathways as the larvae grow according to the analysis results of the metabolic pathways of differential metabolites. The water extract of EL exhibited relatively higher hydroxyl, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pyrroline hydrochloride (DPPH) and 2,2'-azobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging ability with the EC50 values of 1.12 mg/mL, 11.23 mg/mL, and 2.52 mg/mL, respectively. These results contribute to a better understanding of the compositional changes of the RPW larvae during its life cycle and provide a theoretical grounding for its deep processing and high-value utilization.

Nutritional Value, Volatile Components, Functional Metabolites, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Parts of Millettia speciosa Champ., a Medicinal and Edible Plant with Potential for Development

Highly nutritious traditional plants which are rich in bioactive substances are attracting increasing attention. In this study, the nutritional value, chemical composition, biological activities, and feed indices of different parts of Millettia speciosa were comprehensively evaluated. In terms of its nutritional value, this study demonstrated that the leaves, flowers and seeds of M. speciosa were rich in elements and amino acids; the biological values (BVs) of these ingredients ranged from 85% to 100%, showing the extremely high nutritional value of this plant. GC-MS analysis suggested that the main chemical components of the flower volatile oil were n-hexadecanoic acid (21.73%), tetracosane (19.96%), and pentacosane (5.86%). The antibacterial activities of the flower and seed extracts were significantly stronger than those of the leaves and branches. The leaf extract displayed the strongest antifungal activities (EC50 values: 18.28 ± 0.54 μg/mL for Pseudocryphonectria elaeocarpicola and 568.21 ± 33.60 μg/mL for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and were the least toxic to mouse fibroblasts (L929) (IC50 value: 0.71 ± 0.04 mg/mL), while flowers were the most toxic (IC50 value: 0.27 ± 0.03 mg/mL). In addition, the abundance of fiber, protein, mineral elements, and functional metabolite contents indicated the potential applicability of M. speciosa as an animal feed. In conclusion, as a traditional herbal plant used for medicinal and food purposes, M. speciosa shows potential for safe and multifunctional development.

Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles of Seven Edible Insects: Focus on Lipid Class Composition and Protein Conversion Factors

This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of seven edible insect species: Acheta domesticus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Blaptica dubia, Galleria mellonella, Locusta migratoria, Tenebrio molitor, and Zophobas morio. The aim of the present study is to provide new data on the fatty acid distributions among lipid classes as well as the species-specific protein conversion factor (Kp) of a wide range of insects in order to further improve the nutritional characterisation of insects as food. Oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all insects except for A. domesticus, in which a significantly higher percentage of linoleic acid was found. The majority of the lipids were neutral lipids. A significant amount of α-linolenic acid in the phospholipid fraction of L. migratoria was shown, while in T. molitor, phospholipids were the only fraction in which a measurable amount of docosahexaenoic acid was found. Overall, in most insects, the phospholipid fraction had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the other classes, which may be protective in terms of auto-oxidative stability. Kp values in the range of 4.17 to 6.43 were obtained. Within the nutritional quality indices, all insects showed healthy fatty acids and high-quality amino acid profiles.

Balancing the Growth Performance and Nutritional Value of Edible Farm-Raised Sago Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferregineus) Larvae by Feeding Various Plant Supplemented-Sago Palm Trunk Diets

Herein, the effect of supplementing ground sago palm trunk (GSPT) with varying concentrations of plant-based ingredients (PIs), including rice bran (RB), soybean meal (SM), and perilla seed (PS), on the nutritional profile of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) was investigated. Increased PS intake induced an increase in α-linolenic acid level and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 ratio in SPWL (p < 0.05). The presence of fatty acids in SPWL was determined predominantly by the fatty acid profile in the feed. The activities of Δ5 + Δ6 desaturases and thioesterase were not different among SPWL fed different diets (p < 0.05); however, PI intake resulted in low suppression of fads2 gene expression. RB, SM, and PS at the appropriate concentrations of 17.5%, 8.8%, and 7.0% in GSPT (F3 diet), respectively, boosted both protein quantity and quality of SPWL, as indicated by higher levels of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, than the FAO protein reference. Therefore, incorporating PIs into a regular diet is a viable method for enhancing the nutritional value and sustainability of farm-raised SPWL as a potential alternative source of high-quality lipid and protein.

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) enhances intestinal immunity in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) via the NFκB/survivin signaling pathway

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor, YM) in intestinal immunity and health. Largemouth bass, as an enteritis modeling animal, were fed 3 diets containing YM at 0% (YM0), 24% (YM24) and 48% (YM48). The YM24 group had reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while the YM48 group experienced a negative impact on intestinal health. Next, the Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) challenge test consisted of 4 YM diets, 0% (EYM0), 12% (EYM12), 24% (EYM24), and 36% (EYM36). The EYM0 and EYM12 groups exhibited intestinal damage and immunosuppression by the pathogenic bacteria. However, the above adverse phenotypes were attenuated in the EYM24 and EYM36 groups. Mechanistically, the EYM24 and EYM36 groups enhanced intestinal immunity in largemouth bass via activating NFκBp65 and further upregulating survivin expression to inhibit apoptosis. The results identify a protective mechanism of YM as a novel food or feed source by improving intestinal health.

A Novel Strategy for the Production of Edible Insects: Effect of Dietary Perilla Seed Supplementation on Nutritional Composition, Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Δ6 Desaturase Gene Expression of Sago Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Larvae

The nutritional value, growth performance, and lipid metabolism of sago palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, SPWL) raised on plant-based diets (soybean, rice bran, and ground sago palm trunk (GSPT)), supplemented with various concentrations (0, 3, 7, 15, and 20%) of perilla seed (PS) were compared with traditional diets i.e., regular GSPT (control) and GSPT supplemented with pig feed. All supplemented diets rendered SPWL with higher lipid and protein contents (p < 0.05). Supplementing with 7−20% PS enhanced α-linoleic acid content in SPWL, resulting in a decrease in the n-6:n-3 ratio to a desirable level. Dietary PS supplementation increased Δ9 (18), total Δ9 and Δ5 + Δ6 desaturase indexes, fatty acid (FA) unsaturation, and the polyunsaturated FA:saturated FA ratio in SPWL, while lowering atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, and Δ6 desaturase (fads2) gene expression. Boosting with 7% PS improved the majority of growth parameters and enhanced essential amino acid and mineral contents (p < 0.05).

Improved long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae by dietary fish oil supplementation

The nutritional values of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) reared on mixed plant-based diets (ground sago palm trunk (GS), cornmeal, rice bran, soybean, and perilla seed), containing different levels of dietary fish oil (FO) were compared to those reared on commercial pig feed (PF) and GS. Increased FO content resulted in an increase in ω-3 fatty acids (FA) in SPWL (p < 0.05), especially α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. When fed FO-fortified diets instead of PF, the health-promoting indices of the SPWL lipid improved significantly (e.g., decreased ω-6/ω-3 ratio, thrombogenicity index, and hypercholesterolemic FA with increased PUFA content). The lipid, protein, and mineral contents of SPWL were increased while growth performance was maintained on a 1.5% FO-fortified diet. Higher FO levels (3-5%) had a negative impact on the nutritional values and growth performance of the SPWL. Thus, there was a reasonable chance of developing a high-nutrient alternative insect for human consumption.

Fatty acid profile, minor bioactive constituents and physicochemical properties of insect-based oils: A comprehensive review

Insect-based food or ingredients have received tremendous attention worldwide because of their potential to ensure food and nutrition security, mitigating the reliance on land-dependent agricultural products. Indeed, insect-farming has low environmental impacts with reduced land, water and energy input. More importantly, insects are rich in high quality proteins and fats. They are also excellent sources of minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Insect-based lipids are intriguing because they may contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids particularly linoleic and α-linolenic acids. Besides, the insect-based lipids also show a considerable amount of bioactive components such as tocols, sterols and carotenoids. However, their fatty acid compositions and the nutritional values may vary depending on species, feed composition, developmental stage, geographical locations, and extraction techniques. Therefore, the present article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the fatty acid composition, the minor bioactive constituents and the physicochemical properties of fats and oils derived from insects of different orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera). The various parameters affecting the nutritional compositions of the insect-based lipids will also be highlighted. These information will definitely provide a detailed insight on the potential applications of these fats in various food systems based on their unique properties.

Compositional Features and Nutritional Value of Pig Brain: Potential and Challenges as a Sustainable Source of Nutrients

The goal of this study was to establish the nutritional value and compositional properties of the brains of crossbred pigs (Landrace-Large white-Duroc (LLD)), in order to realize the zero-waste concept and increase the use of by-products in the sustainable meat industry. Fat (9.25% fresh weight (fw)) and protein (7.25% fw) were the principal dry matters of pig brain, followed by carbohydrate and ash. Phospholipid and cholesterol had a 3:1 ratio. Pig brain had a red tone (L* = 63.88, a* = 5.60, and b* = 15.43) and a high iron content (66 mg/kg) due to a total heme protein concentration of 1.31 g/100 g fw. The most prevalent macro-element was phosphorus (14 g/kg), followed by potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Zinc, copper, and manganese were among the other trace elements discovered. The most prevalent nitrogenous constituents were alkali-soluble protein, followed by water-soluble protein, stromal protein, salt-soluble protein, and non-protein nitrogen. Essential amino acids were abundant in pig brain (44% of total amino acids), particularly leucine (28.57 mg/g protein), threonine, valine, and lysine. The total lipid, neutral, and polar lipid fractions of the pig brain had different fatty acid compositions. The largest amount was observed in saturated fatty acids (SFA), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Stearic acid and palmitic acid were the most common SFA. Oleic acid was the most prevalent MUFA, while docosahexaenoic acid was the most common PUFA. Thus, the pig brain can be used in food formulations as a source of nutrients.