Insect Proteins for Sustainable Food Systems: Extraction Technologies, Structural Properties, Digestibility and Bioactivity

Abstract submission deadline

30 October 2027

Manuscript submission deadline

30 December 2027

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613

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing global demand for sustainable, resilient, and nutritionally adequate protein sources has positioned edible insects as one of the most promising alternatives for future food systems. Insects provide high-quality protein, favorable feed conversion efficiency, and a comparatively low environmental footprint. Beyond their macronutrient contribution, insect-derived proteins and peptides exhibit diverse techno-functional and biological properties, supporting their potential application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and innovative food formulations.

Despite significant advances in recent years, critical scientific and technological gaps remain concerning the efficient recovery of insect proteins and their structural characterization, functional performance, digestive fate, and associated health benefits. Conventional extraction methods frequently depend on solvent or energy-intensive processes, underscoring the need for greener, scalable, and economically viable technologies. Furthermore, the complex protein–lipid–chitin matrices inherent to insects demand advanced fractionation strategies and analytical methodologies to elucidate structure-function relationships and optimize ingredient functionally.

This Topic aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for both fundamental and applied studies addressing insect proteins throughout the entire value chain—from biomass processing and protein extraction to molecular characterization, digestion, bioactivity, and food system integration. Particular emphasis will be placed on research linking molecular structure to techno-functional and physiological outcomes, as well as studies exploring emerging processing technologies and circular economy strategies for sustainable insect protein valorization.

We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications covering, but not limited to, the following:

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction technologies (enzymatic, ultrasound-assisted, pressurized, aqueous, and solvent-free systems).
• Protein fractionation and purification strategies from insect matrices.
• Structural and molecular characterization using spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and proteomic techniques.
• Techno-functional properties in food systems (emulsification, foaming, gelation, rheology).
• Digestibility and gastrointestinal fate assays through in vitro and in vivo models.
• Generation, identification and characterization of bioactive peptides.
• Health-related activities (antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory).
• Safety, allergenicity, and regulatory considerations.
• Integration into food matrices and product development.
• Life cycle assessment, sustainability metrics, and circular economy perspectives.
• Valorization of insect biomass and byproducts into value-added protein ingredients.
• Emerging applications in encapsulation, delivery systems, and hybrid protein formulations.

By integrating perspectives from protein chemistry, food engineering, nutrition, biotechnology, and sustainability science, this Topic seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for insect protein research. The collected contributions are expected to advance fundamental understanding, stimulate technological innovation, and accelerate the responsible incorporation of insect-derived proteins into sustainable food systems.

Prof. Dr. Aurea Bernardino-Nicanor
Dr. Pedro Mancera-Castro
Dr. Leopoldo González Cruz
Dr. Efren Delgado
Dr. Rubén Domínguez-Valencia
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Antioxidants antioxidants	6.6	12.4	2012	18.7 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
BioTech biotech	3.1	4.8	2012	21.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Foods foods	5.1	8.7	2012	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Insects insects	2.9	5.6	2010	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	17.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Separations separations	2.7	4.5	2014	16 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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