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Ultrasound-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Tenebrio molitor

Summary

Researchers successfully extracted beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) using ultrasound waves, making the process faster and more efficient than traditional methods. These extracted polysaccharides demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, meaning they can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. The study shows that mealworm polysaccharides could be used as natural health supplements or food additives with health benefits comparable to or better than Vitamin C.

Background

Tenebrio molitor is an edible insect rich in bioactive compounds including polysaccharides with strong antioxidant properties. Traditional extraction methods for T. molitor polysaccharides rely on hydrothermal extraction which is inefficient and time-consuming. Ultrasound-assisted extraction offers an environmentally friendly alternative with enhanced efficiency.

Objective

To optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction parameters for polysaccharides from T. molitor and evaluate their antioxidant activity and structural characteristics. The study aimed to determine optimal extraction conditions including temperature, time, ultrasound power, and liquid-to-feed ratio using response surface methodology.

Results

Optimal extraction parameters were 75°C temperature, 150 min extraction time, 270 W ultrasound power, and 15:1 mL/g liquid-to-feed ratio, yielding 9.513% polysaccharide extraction rate. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed pyranose sugars with C-O, C=O, and O-H functional groups. Polysaccharides demonstrated stronger DPPH and OH radical scavenging than Vitamin C with IC50 values of 0.9625 and 9.1909 mg/mL respectively.

Conclusion

T. molitor polysaccharides extracted via ultrasound-assisted extraction demonstrate significant antioxidant activity comparable to or exceeding Vitamin C in certain assays. These bioactive polysaccharides show promising potential as functional ingredients in food, health products, and pharmaceuticals, providing new technical references for T. molitor resource development.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39557986, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79482-0
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