%0 Journal Article
%T Tenebrio Molitor: Investigating the Scientific Foundations and Proteomic and Peptidomic Potential
%A Marilia Penteado Stephan
%A Jorge Eduardo de Souza Sarkis
%A Jeane Santos da Rosa
%A Maria Lucia Cocato
%J Food and Nutrition Sciences
%P 427-435
%@ 2157-9458
%D 2025
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/fns.2025.164024
%X The introduction of a new food group represents a significant challenge, both from a technical and cultural perspective. The consumption of insects itself is quite complex when exploring new protein sources in nutrition. From a technical standpoint, considering the suggestion of using the adult phase of <i>Tenebrio </i><i>molitor</i> as food, two sensory aspects must be addressed as a disadvantage: texture, due to its high chitin content (23%), and appearance (a living being beetle-like). However, its high protein content (50%) is an attractive aspect, even more when considering its larvae, which have an even higher protein value (58%). In addition to its high protein content, the larvae also have high fat values (30%). These parameters support the proposition that <i>T. </i><i>molitor</i> larvae represent a promising matrix for obtaining a high-quality protein ingredient. Furthermore, its approximate composition indicates that a simple and low-cost technology can be used to obtain a protein concentrate without generating environmental waste, requiring only a press to remove the fat. This makes it a superior matrix compared to those used for plant-based alternatives. For instance, consider pulse beans. The technology used for these pulses is labor-intensive and destructive. For example, using six tons of beans (bean yield rate per hectare) for protein extraction will result in waste representing 75% of the total bean yield and a value of 25% for protein yield. This waste generated will represent a great environmental and agronomic aggression. Then it can be concluded that the use of larvae is a fact, but in-depth proteomics and peptidomics studies are necessary. This work presents a literature review of what has been done worldwide on this subject over the past ten years. The available information is confusing and lacks systematization.
%K Larva
%K <i>Tenebrio </i><i>molitor</i>
%K Alternative Protein Food
%K Proteomics
%K Peptidomics
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=142127