Insects-Based Foods
The effects of chemical protein extraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase, papain and pepsin, on the functional properties, antioxidant activity, amino acid composition and protein structure of black soldier fly (H. illucens) larval protein were examined. Alcalase hydrolysates had the highest degree of hydrolysis (p < 0.05), with the highest hydrolysate and oil fraction yield (p < 0.05). Pepsin hydrolysates showed the lowest oil holding capacity (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed among other enzymes and protein concentrates (p > 0.05). The emulsifying stability and foam capacity were significantly lower in protein hydrolysates than protein concentrate (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates from protein concentrate and Alcalase was higher than that with papain and pepsin (p < 0.05), owing to the higher hydrophobic amino acid content. Raman spectroscopy indicated structural changes in protein α-helices and β-sheets after enzymatic hydrolysis.
Food Wastes to Aquafeed
Dr. Miyai developed attractions from Crab industry wastes to coat plant-based diets for marine species.
Insects-Based Feeds
We have been working closely with insect and aquaculture industries to develop insect-based aquafeed for both marine and fresh water species. Dr. Keramat and Dr. Duscher developed insect-based aquafeed. Papers under preparation.
Sorghum Initiative Program
We have been developing aquafeed and human food from US grown sorghum.