Enzymatic Fractionation of Protein, Fat and Chitin from Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) ^†

Insects have the ability to convert biowaste into valuable functional compounds, such as proteins, fat and chitin. Currently, unlike with conventional commodities, there are few fractionation methods to isolate these compounds for diversification of use. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a possible method to fractionate Hermetia illucens larvae, into protein, fat and chitin. This method is a particularly attractive due to the milder process conditions required compared to chemical methods, the relative ease to control the reaction and minimal formation of unpalatable and toxic by-products. A central composite design was used to help identify the optimum hydrolysis conditions for fractionation. At these conditions the fat recovery was ~81%; substantially more than previous attempts and the fatty acid profile stayed unchanged from the original larvae material. The protein solubility was ~57%, with a degree of hydrolysis of ~22%, and was on par with previous studies. The amino acid profile of the soluble proteins differed from the original larvae material with a slight decrease in the ratio of essential to total amino acids. The insoluble proteins were accounted for with the chitin. A washing-and-sieving step, as means to recover the insoluble proteins from the chitin is envisaged. Also, the spray drying of the protein hydrolysate produced and its functional properties allows for future investigation. This technology allows for higher margins to be made, both environmentally as well as financially, compared to the use of the ‘intact’ biomass.