Comparison of the in vitro protein digestibility of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae and beef loin before and after defatting

Protein digestibility of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae before and after defatting by hexane was compared with that of beef loin in an in vitro digestion model. Larvae had higher crude protein content and 10% trichloroacetic acid (10% TCA)-soluble alpha-amino groups than beef. Decreases in the levels of total free sulfhydryl groups and 10% TCA-soluble alpha-amino groups were detected in larvae and beef after defatting (P < 0.05). Surface hydrophobicity increased after defatting in both larvae and beef, (P < 0.05) and tryptophan fluorescence intensity decreased in defatted larvae but increased in defatted beef. Levels of proteins digested into sizes under 3 and 10 kDa in larvae were higher than those in beef (P < 0.05), and defatting did not induce an effect in larvae. Therefore, in the aspect of high protein content and digestibility, larvae of P. brevitarsis can be a potential substitute of animal proteins.

Automated summary

The protein digestibility of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae before and after defatting by hexane was compared to beef loin in an in vitro model. The larvae showed higher protein content and digestibility than beef, and defatting affected both larvae and beef but did not induce a notable effect in larvae.