Open AccessBiological activity and processing technologies of edible insects: a review
Author(s) -
Jae Hoon Lee,
TaeKyung Kim,
Chang Hee Jeong,
Hae In Yong,
Ji Young Yoon,
Bum-Keun Kim,
YunSang Choi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
food science and biotechnology/food science and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 2092-6456
pISSN - 1226-7708
DOI - 10.1007/s10068-021-00942-8
Subject(s) - edible plants , biology , insect , microbiology and biotechnology , novel food , ecology , food science
The burgeoning global population growth has raised concerns regarding the expected increase in the demand for food, which could be partially tackled by identifying novel food sources. To this end, edible insects have recently attracted research interest. Several technologies for utilizing edible insect-derived proteins have been introduced; however, research into their functional utilization is insufficient. Herein, we reviewed the relevant literature on the importance of insects as food sources, extraction of edible insects, the nutritional value of insects, biological activities of components, and their applications in food industries. We summarized the studies primarily focused on the functional utilization of edible insects, suggesting that for successful incorporation and growth of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical industries, strategies to improve the extraction methods are required to explore the biological activity of edible insects. Furthermore, the awareness of edible insects with a focus on their allergens warrants consideration.