Open Access
Research (Published online: 05-03-2024)
2. Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Krittika Srisuksai, Paviga Limudomporn, Uthaiwan Kovitvadhi, Khunakon Thongsuwan, Witcha Imaram, Ratchaphon Lertchaiyongphanit, Tharinee Sareepoch, Attawit Kovitvadhi, and Wirasak Fungfuang
Veterinary World, 17(3): 518-526

Krittika Srisuksai: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Paviga Limudomporn: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Uthaiwan Kovitvadhi: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Khunakon Thongsuwan: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Witcha Imaram: Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ratchaphon Lertchaiyongphanit: Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Tharinee Sareepoch: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Attawit Kovitvadhi: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Wirasak Fungfuang: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.518-526

Article history: Received: 17-10-2023, Accepted: 06-02-2024, Published online: 05-03-2024

Corresponding author: Wirasak Fungfuang

E-mail: fsciwsf@ku.ac.th

Citation: Srisuksai K, Limudomporn P, Kovitvadhi U, Thongsuwan K, Imaram W, Lertchaiyongphanit R, Sareepoch T, Kovitvadhi A, and Fungfuang W (2024) Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), Veterinary World, 17(3): 518–526.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Hermetia illucens, a black soldier fly, is widely recognized for sustainable recycling of organic waste. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFLs) can consume various types of biowastes and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass, including proteins, lipids, chitin, and minerals. This study investigated the best extraction method by comparing the fatty acid profiles, percentage yield, and antioxidant properties of BSFL oil extracted using different extraction methods.

Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and free radical scavenging ability of BSFL oil were analyzed using six extraction methods.

Results: Ultrasonic extraction with hexane resulted in the highest yields compared with different extraction methods. Lauric acid (28%–37%) was the most abundant fatty acid in all extracts, followed by palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compared with other methods, aqueous extraction showed the highest lauric acid composition and free radical scavenging activities. In addition, high-temperature aqueous extraction resulted in higher oil yield and free radical scavenging activities than low-temperature extraction.

Conclusion: High-temperature aqueous extraction is the best extraction method because it is rich in lauric acid, has antioxidant ability, and can be further developed to produce novel sustainable biomaterials for humans and animals.

Keywords: black soldier fly, extraction method, fatty acid, Hermetia illucens.

Highlights

The document is about a research article that investigates the physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae.

The study compared different extraction methods for obtaining oil from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and found that ultrasonic extraction with hexane resulted in the highest oil yields.

Lauric acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all extracts, and aqueous extraction showed the highest lauric acid composition and free radical scavenging activities.

High-temperature aqueous extraction resulted in higher oil yield and free radical scavenging activities than low-temperature extraction.

The document also mentions that different extraction methods have been used to extract oils from various sources, and the fatty acid composition of oils can be influenced by various factors.

Oils extracted from different sources have been found to have antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. The extraction method, solvent, temperature, and extraction time can affect the yield, physicochemical properties, and chemical composition of oils and extracts.