Insect cells for human food

Biotechnol Adv. 2007 Mar-Apr;25(2):198-202. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2006.11.004. Epub 2006 Nov 23.

Abstract

There is a need for novel protein sources. Insects are a possible interesting source of protein. They are nutritious in terms of protein (40-75 g/100g dry weight) and minerals. Insect protein is of high quality and has a high digestibility (77-98%) and concentration of essential amino acids (46-96% of the nutritional profile). Also insect cells may be a promising novel source of protein. Choice of cell line, growth conditions and use of the baculovirus expression system opens up possibilities to engineer the nutritional value of the biomass. The technological limits as well as consumer acceptance of insect cell based food remains to be investigated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioreactors
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Biotechnology / trends
  • Food Supply*
  • Humans
  • Insect Proteins / chemistry
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Insecta / cytology*
  • Nutritive Value
  • Public Opinion*

Substances

  • Insect Proteins