Protein Fractions and Functional Properties of Dried Imbrasia oyemensis Larvae Full-Fat and Defatted Flours

Aims: To assess the functional properties of flours made from Imbrasia oyemensis larvae, a caterpillar widely consumed in Côte d’Ivoire, for industrial purposes.

Methodology: Full-fat and defatted flours were obtained from dried Imbrasia oyemensis larvae collected on the “Gouro” market of Adjamé (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Protein fractionation, protein content and functional properties were investigated using standard methods. All results were statistically analysed.

Results: Defatting led to a significant (P≤0.05) reduction of emulsion capacity and stability, whereas the soluble protein fractions (such as albumin and glutelin), dispersibility, bulk density, water absorption capacity, water solubility index, oil absorption capacity, foam capacity and stability increased significantly (p<0.05). The full-fat and defatted flours had high oil (78.12 and 84.08% respectively) and water absorption capacities (86.89% for full-fat and 66.07% for defatted flour) as desirable characteristics for use in some foods such as meats, sausages, breads and cakes. Fevermore, they showed high bulk density (1.00 and 1.04g/mL respectively for full-fat and defatted) and good wettability and therefore would be suitable for use as a functional ingredient in a variety of food formulations.

Conclusion: Defatting has significant effect on functional properties of dried I. oyemensis flours. Full-fat as well as defatted flour show good functional characteristics for use in many food industries.