Determination of Moisture and Protein Content in Living Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.) Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS).

ABSTRACT: Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.) are a sustainable source of protein for food and feed. This study represents a new approach in analyzing changes in the nutritional composition of mealworm larvae using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multivariate analysis. The moisture and protein content of living larvae were scanned with a near-infrared spectrometer using wavelengths from 1100 to 2100 nm. Different feeding groups with varying moisture sources and amount and the difference between low (50%) and high (75%) humidity were tested, and the influence on larval moisture and protein content was measured. A calibration was developed, with modified partial least squares as the regression method. The NIR spectra were influenced by the moisture and prote

SUBMITTER: Kroncke N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9224910 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature