Improving protein hydrolysis of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) content by using basic salts treatment

Abstract

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) has been recognised as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This study was performed to enhance the protein hydrolysis of BSFL content by using the basic salts treatment. Denatured protein would become smaller peptides and helps improve the absorption and digestion of protein. Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate (5, 10 and 15wt%) were mixed for two days at room temperature to examine the effect of salt type and concentration on BSFL protein content. The result obtained from the Bradford analysis showed the percentage of protein decreases for all samples with the increasing salt concentration. The percentage of protein decreased for 15wt% of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate were 14.23% and 15.12%, respectively. This finding indicated that these basic salts could be potentially used for hydrolysing BSFL crude protein into smaller peptides.