Evaluation of feasibility of Tenebrio molitor larval fractions as a meat analog using 3D printing

Tae Wan Kang, Ra Yeong Choi, In Woo Kim, Eun Joo Lee, Hyun Woo Kim, Hyun Jin Park

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    17 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    To confirm the applicability of Tenebrio molitor larvae as meat analogs using three-dimensional printing, the deformation rate after 3D printing and texture profile analysis (TPA) after post-processing (steaming) of 3D printing inks composed of 18% soy protein isolate (SPI) and T. molitor larval fractions (filtrate, supernatant, and pellet) were evaluated. When 15% pellet was included, the lowest deformation was 0.04% due to the structural support and easy extrusion due to the increase of the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss tangent (tan δ) and uniform network structure. In addition, the sample containing 15% pellets had the highest hardness (83.57 N) and chewability (55.97 N) after post-processing due to the high protein content in the pellets and the presence of myofibrillar proteins and dense internal structure. This study provides guidelines for improving the printability and texture effects through the supplementation of SPI-based inks with T. molitor larval fractions.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number103446
    JournalInnovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies
    Volume89
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2023 Oct

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This work was supported by collaborative research program between university and Rural Development Administration [ PJ01591202 ], Republic of Korea. This research was also supported by a grant from the Institute of Biomedical Science & Food Safety, Korea University , Republic of Korea.

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2023

    Keywords

    • 3D printing
    • Mealworm
    • Meat analog
    • Muscle atrophy
    • Soy protein isolate
    • T. molitor larvae

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Food Science
    • General Chemistry
    • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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