Insect Tenebrio molitor: Extraction through green enzymatic process, characterization, and total valorization of biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and chitin) for food, nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

An increasing number of studies highlights the nutritional value of the Tenebrio molitor larva (Novel food), particularly its protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Rearing this insect also offers significant environmental benefits due to its low water, space, and CO₂ requirements.

Through optimized green enzymatic processes using various enzymes, it is possible to extract bioactive and functional molecules suitable for numerous applications in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. These molecules include lipids such as phospholipids, which enable the creation of liposomes capable of delivering peptides. These peptides of interest exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and functional properties (foaming, emulsifying, stabilizing). Another product of enzymatic hydrolysis is the larval cuticle, rich in chitin, which can be converted into chitosan. This innovative polymer allows for the production of biodegradable food films. This comprehensive study emphasizes the use of an optimized green enzymatic process to obtain phospholipids and bioactive peptides, which can be formulated into high-value liposomes. Peptides are also investigated for their functional capacities in food and cosmetic formulations. Finally, cuticles are repurposed to create biodegradable packaging. The study includes process optimization, biomolecule characterization techniques such as FT-IR, CPG-FID, LC-MS, TLC-FID, DLS, and DSC. The study also contains biological and functional peptide activity analysis, formulation development, and mechanical testing. This European project, conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner specializing in Tenebrio molitor, enables the valorization of all fractions of the insect to meet concrete needs. The process allows for the valorization of nutritious products as well as biomolecules, enabling the design of high value-added products while addressing a crucial environmental issue of today.