Ultraviolet treatment of transformed beetle larvae for vitamin D3 enrichment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing beetle powder, said method comprising a phototreatment step in which at least one light source emits ultraviolet radiation towards transformed beetle larvae.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the food industry.

[0002] More particularly, the subject matter of the present invention relates to the production of beetle-based food powders.

[0003] One of the aims of the present invention is to improve the vitamin D3 fortification of powders obtained from beetle larvae.

[0004] The present invention therefore has numerous applications, in particular in the food industry, and in particular in human nutrition, reptile nutrition, animal nutrition (pet food / pet care / nutraceuticals) or fish farming. [Background technology]

[0005] Vitamin D3 has important properties for the body.

[0006] Here, vitamin D3 refers to cholecalciferol.

[0007] In humans, vitamin D3 specifically helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus absorbed by the intestine. Vitamin D3 strengthens the immune system and improves cognitive function.

[0008] Vitamin D3 also plays an essential role in maintaining skeletal muscle and bone in humans and companion animals such as dogs.

[0009] Vitamin D3 is used, for example, in conjunction with calcium to prevent osteoporosis in the elderly.

[0010] In reptiles, vitamin D3 allows for optimal digestion and absorption of calcium and bone mineralization.

[0011] Today, it is known that 50% of healthy adults suffer from vitamin D3 deficiency. The daily requirement for vitamin D3 is 15 μg for adults and can be up to 20 μg for people over 70 years of age.

[0012] Traditionally, food sources containing vitamin D3 are essentially derived from fish, especially fish oil, fillets, or liver. However, fish is a declining resource and is therefore becoming increasingly expensive.

[0013] Vitamin D3 can also be found in supplement form, extracted from boreal lichens or synthesized from lanolin.

[0014] Therefore, while the availability of vitamin D3-rich foods is decreasing, the demand for vitamin D3 is increasing rapidly.

[0015] Therefore, food industry stakeholders are focusing considerable energy on finding solutions that will allow such vitamin D3 to be produced in a sustainable and practical manner.

[0016] Patent document EP 1 299 594 B1, belonging to the present applicant, is known in the prior art.

[0017] This document proposes the production of a beetle-based food powder enriched with vitamin D3.

[0018] More specifically, this document proposes ultraviolet light treatment (called UV treatment) during the larval development stage of Tenebrio Molitor (Mealworm) or Alphitobius Diaperinus (Mealworm).

[0019] Such UV treatment during larval development allows the synthesis of large amounts of vitamin D3.

[0020] In fact, the results obtained with the enrichment technique proposed in Patent Document 1 demonstrate that, although without UV treatment the larvae contain little or no vitamin D3 (0-2 μg / 100 g dry weight), UV treatment during the larval development period results in an average maximum vitamin D3 content in the larvae of about 50 μg / 100 g dry weight. These live vitamin D3-enriched larvae allow, after the transformation stage, to obtain vitamin D3-enriched beetle powder or beetle larvae.

[0021] However, the applicant claims that the implementation of the solution proposed in the patent application WO 2005 / 024990 remains complex at industrial level.

[0022] Indeed, according to the technical teachings of the above-mentioned documents, the UV treatment is carried out directly on live larvae during the larval development stage of these live larvae.

[0023] This creates a number of problems that can seriously affect the productivity of feedlots and make industrialization difficult.

[0024] Applicant first alleges that UV treatment of live larvae can result in larval mortality that is 10 times higher than that observed in non-UV treated larvae, particularly when the light source is placed less than 25 cm from the live larvae.

[0025] Indeed, tests have shown that 12-week-old larvae exposed to UV treatment (25 W lamp, UVB index 200) for 10 days at a distance of 25 cm from the light source have a mortality rate of 0.1%, while without this light treatment the mortality rate is 0.01%.

[0026] Applicant next argues that the surface area required to carry out this type of UV treatment is substantial.

[0027] To achieve vitamin D3 synthesis of 50 μg / 100 g larval dry weight, a 25 W UVB lamp (UVB index 200) should be placed 25 cm from the trays containing the larvae for 10 days. The dimensions of these trays are 56 cm x 38 cm x 17 cm. This configuration minimizes mortality by maximizing the rate of vitamin D3 synthesis.

[0028] Therefore, under the conditions described above, in addition to occupying a considerable amount of surface space, it is very time consuming, with a 125 cm x 200 cm x 30 cm structure only capable of producing 10.5 kg of live larvae (i.e. 3.75 kg of powder) every 10 days.

[0029] Therefore, the Applicant claims that the prior art solutions are not yet fully satisfactory for the industrialization of the production of beetle-based food powders enriched with vitamin D3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0030] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 229332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0031] The present invention aims to improve the situation described above.

[0032] More particularly, the present invention aims to overcome the various drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an effective solution that can be easily implemented at industrial level to significantly increase the vitamin D3 content of beetle powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] According to a first aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a method for producing vitamin D3-enriched beetle powder, said method comprising a light treatment step in which at least one light source emits ultraviolet radiation towards transformed beetle larvae.

[0034] By providing a light treatment called UV treatment after transformation, the vitamin D3 content is dramatically improved and the industrialization of the method is greatly facilitated.

[0035] Application of UV treatment after transformation of the beetles can increase the vitamin D3 content in the beetle powder by up to 10 times, while reducing the required surface area by a factor of 2.5.

[0036] The term "transformed larvae" as used herein refers to beetle larvae that have been subjected to at least an insecticidal treatment.

[0037] Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises a step of transforming the beetle larvae prior to the light treatment step, the transformation step being a step of killing the larvae. process Includes.

[0038] Preferably, the transformation step is carried out on the beetles in their larval stage.

[0039] According to a first alternative, the killing is carried out by means of a cold treatment.

[0040] The term "cold treatment" refers to exposing beetle larvae to temperatures below 4°C for a period of more than 10 minutes, for example.

[0041] According to a second alternative, this deformation step is carried out by high-temperature treatment.

[0042] The term "hot treatment" refers to exposing beetle larvae to temperatures above 40°C, for example, in water (hot water treatment) for periods of more than 15 seconds or in heated air for periods of more than 30 minutes.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the insecticide process The larvae may be positioned in water at a temperature of 50 to 120°C, preferably 85 to 110°C, or more preferably 90 to 100°C.

[0044] This is also called "scalding."

[0045] This technique of killing insects by hot water treatment is effective and preserves the nutritional properties of the beetles and reduces the bacterial load of the larvae.

[0046] Preferably, the hot water treatment is carried out for a time of 30 seconds to 10 minutes, more preferably 1 to 5 minutes.

[0047] According to the third alternative, the above insecticide process This may be carried out by exposing the beetle larvae to microwave radiation for, for example, at least 10 seconds.

[0048] Advantageously, the transformation step comprises dehydration (or roasting) aimed at obtaining a water activity (Aw) of the powder, after disinfection, of less than 0.7.

[0049] For this dehydration, microwave treatment can be used.

[0050] The term "microwave treatment" refers to the exposure of beetle larvae to microwaves, for example, for at least 10 seconds.

[0051] Alternatively, or in addition, heat treatment of the killed larvae can be used for this dehydration.

[0052] During such heat treatment of the larvae for dehydration, the killed larvae are placed in an environment of 40 to 250°C, preferably 50 to 150°C, for a treatment period of preferably 1 to 24 hours, whereby the killed larvae: - 2 to 15% moisture, more preferably 3 to 8% moisture, and / or Water activity (Aw) less than -0.7 It has.

[0053] Preferably, during said heat treatment, the transformed larvae are arranged over a thickness of 1 to 100 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0054] Optionally, the transformed larvae may be subjected to crushing and / or squeezing.

[0055] Preferably, the transformation step comprises grinding the larvae after killing to obtain beetle powder.

[0056] It should be noted that crushing the larvae after dehydration can improve the results of vitamin D3 synthesis after UV treatment, however, this step after dehydration remains optional.

[0057] After dehydration and grinding, beetle powder is obtained.

[0058] The term "beetle powder" refers to, for example: - Whole Tenebrio Molitor larvae subjected to thermal drying and crushing process; - Whole larvae of Alphitobius Diaperinus subjected to thermal drying and crushing process; - a mixture of these two species of larvae subjected to a thermal drying and grinding process; - a fraction of whole Tenebrio Molitor larvae, first subjected to a pressing process, then to a thermal drying and grinding process; - a fraction of whole bodies of larvae of Alphitobius Diaperinus, first subjected to a pressing process, then to a thermal drying and grinding process; - a mixture of the fractions of these two larvae, first subjected to a pressing process, then to a heat drying and grinding process. This refers to a dry powder (Aw<0.7) consisting of

[0059] In certain embodiments, the transformation step comprises a first sieving of the larvae to remove any residue, such as excrement or possible feed residues.

[0060] However, such screening remains optional, as it has the simple purpose of cleaning the larvae before killing them.

[0061] Preferably, the modification step includes fasting for 24 to 48 hours. Such fasting prevents the appearance of new feces. Therefore, such fasting remains optional in the practice of the present invention.

[0062] Optionally, the fasting step is followed by a second sieving.

[0063] Advantageously, the transformation step comprises low temperature stunning at -18°C to +4°C prior to killing.

[0064] Preferably, this low temperature stunning step is carried out with a stunning time of 1 to 5 minutes.

[0065] Advantageously, the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one light source towards the transformed Coleoptera larvae during the light treatment step is: UVB radiation, consisting of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 280 nm and 320 nm; and / or - UVA radiation, which consists of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 320 nm and 400 nm.

[0066] Preferably, in the light treatment step, it is envisaged that the at least one light source is positioned at a specific distance from the beetle larvae, which is about 1-100 cm, preferably about 5-20 cm.

[0067] The intensity of the UV light source decreases with increasing distance.

[0068] The amount of vitamin D3 synthesized depends on the amount of UVB received per unit time.

[0069] Advantageously, said at least one light source has a radiant power of between 13 and 125 watts, preferably between 20 and 50 watts.

[0070] Advantageously, during the light treatment step, the at least one light source may emit ultraviolet radiation towards the transformed beetle larvae over a 24 hour period, either continuously or cumulatively for a treatment period ranging from 10 minutes to 24 hours.

[0071] Advantageously, it is envisaged that during all or part of said light treatment step the transformed beetle larvae are kept in an environment having a substantially constant temperature of 20-30°C, preferably 26-28°C.

[0072] Vitamin D3 synthesis is optimized at temperatures above 20°C.

[0073] According to a second aspect, the subject of the present invention relates to a beetle powder obtainable by implementing the manufacturing method described above.

[0074] Such beetle powder obtained by the above-mentioned method has a vitamin D3 concentration that is 4 to 10 times higher than the vitamin D3 concentration obtained by the method described in Patent Document 1.

[0075] According to a third aspect, the subject of the present invention relates to the use of the beetle powder described above for human or animal nutrition.

[0076] Preferably, the powder is used as a food ingredient or dietary supplement.

[0077] Other advantageous uses are also envisaged, such as nutrition for reptiles or fish.

[0078] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the attached figures 1 and 2, which illustrate, without any limiting effect, examples of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a graph showing vitamin D3 concentrations in samples of beetle larvae treated with UV light for an 8-hour exposure period. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the change in vitamin D3 concentration as a function of time in samples of several beetle larvae subjected to UV light treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] An example embodiment of the production of vitamin D3 enriched beetle powder will now be described in conjunction with FIGS.

[0081] It should be noted that the production of powders to be described herein is aimed at developing techniques to significantly increase the vitamin D3 content in Tenebrio Molitor and / or Alphitobius Diaperinus beetle-based powders.

[0082] Unlike techniques that involve UV treatment of live beetles, the underlying concept of the present invention is to carry out such UV treatment after transformation.

[0083] As used herein, the term "transformed larvae" refers to beetle larvae that have been subjected to at least killing.

[0084] The applicant claims that it is not possible in the prior art, or even in the common knowledge of a person skilled in the art, to assume that applying UV treatment to modified beetles would improve vitamin D3 synthesis.

[0085] In the examples described herein and used in different experiments herein, larvae selected from the species Tenebrio Molitor and / or Alphitobius Diaperinus are used.

[0086] The use of other species may also be envisaged.

[0087] It should be noted that the larval development stage is not described herein as the present invention is primarily concerned with transformation and UV treatment and the pre-rearing stage is not part of the present invention.

[0088] Deformation stage In a particular embodiment of the invention, the transformation step is carried out as follows.

[0089] Between 6 and 14 weeks of growth, preferably between 10 and 13 weeks of growth, the larvae are sieved to remove excrement.

[0090] The sieved larvae are then placed in plastic trays for 24-48 hours of fasting.

[0091] After fasting, the larvae are sieved again to remove excrement.

[0092] To kill the larvae, they are placed in water at 85-100°C for 1-4 minutes, a process known as high-temperature killing.

[0093] During this transformation, there is also a low-temperature stunning step at -18°C to +4°C for several minutes immediately before killing.

[0094] After killing, the larvae are subjected to a heat treatment at 50 to 150°C for 1 to 24 hours depending on the temperature used.

[0095] The obtained larvae contain 2 to 15% moisture, more preferably 3 to 8% moisture, and have a water activity of less than 0.9, more preferably less than 0.7.

[0096] A grinding step can be carried out. As used herein, the term "powder" includes any reduction to elements less than 3 mm of whole insects or only morphological parts of these insects that have been subjected to heat treatment in the larval or early pupal stages.

[0097] It should be understood that this is a description of one particular embodiment of the transformation step described above.

[0098] Such an embodiment can provide good results, however, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can envision other embodiments for transforming beetle larvae.

[0099] It should also be noted that the powder manufacturer does not necessarily have to perform the above-described killing step, and can rely on a source, a beetle farmer, to provide already transformed (i.e., killed) beetle larvae, in which case the powder manufacturer would proceed directly to the fortification (i.e., UV treatment) step to fortify the powder with vitamin D3.

[0100] UV treatment stage The larvae powder after dehydration and crushing, or the whole larvae that have been dehydrated but not crushed, are directly subjected to UV treatment after the heat treatment is completed.

[0101] In this example, the UV treatment step is carried out in a dedicated room.

[0102] In an example embodiment of the present invention, the modified beetle is: a substantially constant temperature of -20 to 30°C, preferably 26 to 28°C; and - a substantially constant relative humidity of 30-70%, preferably 30-40% It is preferred to maintain this room under ambient conditions that maintain an environment having a

[0103] Such controlled management of ambient parameters (temperature and humidity) can result in better yields in the synthesis of vitamin D3.

[0104] However, one skilled in the art can envision other similar ambient conditions.

[0105] In this example, the UV treatment step lasts from 1 to 10 days and has a duration of from 10 minutes to 24 hours, either consecutively or cumulatively, over a 24 hour period.

[0106] The examples described herein therefore explore the use of UV treatment to enrich transformed beetle larvae with vitamin D3. Such UV treatment employs at least one ultraviolet light source (i.e., a UV source) that emits ultraviolet radiation toward the transformed beetle larvae.

[0107] Preferably, the UV source is held in a suitable position above the beetle powder or the whole beetle body.

[0108] In this example, the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the UV source towards the beetle larvae is: UVB radiation, consisting of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 280 nm and 320 nm; and / or -UVA radiation, consisting of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 320nm and 400nm.

[0109] It should be noted that visible light emission has no effect on vitamin D3 synthesis.

[0110] In the examples described herein, during the phototreatment stage, the UV source is positioned at a specific distance of about 2-100 cm, preferably 10-15 cm, from the beetle larvae.

[0111] In this example, the UV source has a radiant power of 13 to 125 watts, preferably 20 to 50 watts.

[0112] Optionally, this UV step can be followed by a second heat treatment at 40-200° C., preferably 60-100° C., for 1 hour to 24 hours.

[0113] Increases the power of transformed larvae by up to 10 times The first results obtained from the various studies and tests that have been carried out are particularly interesting.

[0114] [Table 1] 1 The live and transformed larvae are placed 25 cm from the light source and placed in a tray measuring 57 cm x 38 cm x 17 cm, with a maximum thickness of 1 cm for the live and transformed larvae.

[0115] These results are confirmed and reinforced by a series of other tests detailed in the following description. These additional tests and analyses of vitamin D3 concentrations (Figures 1 and 2) show that the present invention can increase vitamin D3 synthesis by up to 10-fold over the method described in WO 2007 / 024990.

[0116] 2.5x increase in production per unit surface area The present invention can also increase the production of transformed larvae per unit surface area.

[0117] It is noted that in Patent Document 1, the light source for UV treatment of live larvae is preferably positioned at an optimal distance of 25-35 cm above the tray containing the larvae, in order to avoid excessive mortality, particularly associated with excessive heat.

[0118] According to the present invention, the light source can be placed 10-15 cm away without affecting mortality rates.

[0119] In Patent Document 1, a structure measuring 125 cm x 200 cm x 30 cm that accommodates a light source and trays containing live larvae over a 5-day period allows the production of 10.5 kg of live larvae, or 3.75 kg of larvae powder containing 24 μg / 100 g dry weight of vitamin D3. Using the present invention, the same structure and period can produce 9.5 kg, or 2.5 times more, of larvae powder containing 50-500 μg / 100 g dry weight of vitamin D3, depending on the exposure time. This is made possible not only by the reduced distance between the light source and the transformed larvae, but also by the ability to work directly on the transformed larvae that have undergone heat treatment earlier. These larvae do not lose additional weight, unlike live larvae that must be roasted or dehydrated, which can lose 65% of their total weight through evaporation of water.

[0120] Light processing time reduced to 1 / 100 According to the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, 10 days of light treatment was required to obtain 50 μg / 100 g dry weight of vitamin D3 in the larvae's bodies.

[0121] Using the present invention, under optimal conditions, a concentration of 50 μg / 100 g dry weight can be achieved with 1-2 hours of UV treatment.

[0122] These results are substantiated in a second series of studies detailed below.

[0123] Quantitative analysis of vitamin D3 was performed by an independent COFRAC-accredited laboratory. Quantification was performed by semi-preparative HPLC followed by reversed-phase HPLC with UV / DAD detection (265 nm).

[0124] Other tests were also performed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of UV treatment after larval transformation.

[0125] - First series of tests: In this first series of tests, multiple samples of Tenebrio Molitor larvae are provided: S1, S2, S3, and S4, each with a difference (fresh larvae, live larvae, etc.).

[0126] These analyses were carried out by an independent COFRAC-accredited laboratory according to standard EN12821:2009-08.

[0127] In these tests, UV treatment is applied to each of these samples S1, S2, S3 and S4 and their vitamin D3 concentrations are measured.

[0128] The results and analysis of these tests for Samples S1-S4 are shown in Figure 1. More specifically, Figure 1 shows the vitamin D3 concentrations of Samples S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively, after 8 hours of exposure.

[0129] The first test (sample S1) involved UV treatment on live Tenebrio Molitor larvae.

[0130] This first test involves UV treatment of live larvae, as proposed in US Patent No. 5,629, 199. The only difference is that here the vitamin D3 concentration is quantified directly in fresh, previously frozen larvae.

[0131] In this first example, the distance of the UV lamp above the live larvae is 20 cm, and the bulb characteristics are as follows: 25 W; 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 74.1 μW / cm 2 ;Average temperature: 31.8℃.

[0132] According to Figure 1, the concentration is 3600 IU / kg fresh weight, or approximately 10260 IU / kg dry weight; this conversion to the concentration in dried larvae was obtained by multiplying the concentration in fresh larvae by 2.85 (Tenebrio molitor larvae contain an average of 65% water).

[0133] Here, IU refers to the international unit of vitamin D3, i.e., 1 IU = 0.025 μg.

[0134] The second test (sample S2) also involved UV treatment on live larvae.

[0135] Therefore, this second test involves UV treatment of these larvae.

[0136] In this case, the lamp distance above the larval sample S2 was 20 cm, and the bulb characteristics were as follows: 25 W; 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm 2 ;Average temperature: 29.44℃.

[0137] These fresh larvae are then transformed according to the technique proposed in US Pat. No. 5,629,239 to obtain a dried larvae powder enriched with vitamin D3 by UV treatment during the larval stage.

[0138] Here, vitamin D3 concentrations are measured in dehydrated, dried larvae.

[0139] According to Figure 1, the vitamin D3 concentration of this sample S2 is 7200 IU / kg dry weight.

[0140] Another test (sample S3) involved UV treatment of deformed (dead) larvae, more specifically desiccated larvae that had not been crushed.

[0141] The test involves larvae that are first killed and then subjected to a UV treatment as proposed according to the present invention.

[0142] This test therefore represents a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] It should be noted that in this example, the killing is carried out by immersion in a water bath at 100° C. for 2 minutes, however, other techniques may be envisioned by those skilled in the art.

[0144] In this example, the transformed larvae were dehydrated at 65°C for 14 hours.

[0145] The deformed (but uncrushed) larvae are then positioned under a lamp positioned 20 cm above the dried but uncrushed larvae. The lamp used has the following bulb characteristics: 25 W, 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm. 2 ;Average temperature: 30℃.

[0146] According to FIG. 1, the vitamin D3 concentration of this sample S3 at this point amounts to 36,000 IU / kg dry weight, ie 5 times the vitamin D3 concentration for live larvae (samples S2 and S1).

[0147] The fourth test (sample S4) concerns UV treatment of transformed larvae, more particularly of samples of dried and crushed larvae.

[0148] In this example, Tenebrio Molitor larvae were subjected to the same killing process as the larvae in sample S3.

[0149] After killing, these larvae were also crushed.

[0150] Therefore, in this example, the UV treatment proposed by the present invention is applied to this sample S4 after insecticide.

[0151] In this case, the same device as above is used, i.e. a UV lamp with the following characteristics, positioned at a distance of 20 cm above the dried and crushed larvae: 25 W, 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm 2 ;Average temperature: 30℃.

[0152] According to Figure 1, the vitamin D3 concentration of this sample S4 at this point amounts to 72,000 IU / kg dry weight, i.e. 10 times the vitamin D3 concentration for live larvae (samples S1 and S2) and twice the vitamin D3 concentration for sample S3.

[0153] This first series of tests demonstrates the importance of the present invention by applying UV treatment to transformed (post-kill) larvae (samples S3 and S4) rather than to live larvae (samples S1 and S2) as proposed in WO 02 / 04799.

[0154] Applicant here asserts that, with respect to UVB exposure, prior to the present invention and the above-described tests, it was believed that transformed beetle larvae would retain, at best, an ability to synthesize vitamin D3 equivalent to live larvae.

[0155] One might even expect that the transformations undergone by the larvae would impair their ability to synthesize vitamin D3.

[0156] However, quite surprisingly and unexpectedly, the results obtained show the opposite and demonstrate that UVB exposure of transformed larvae results in more potent vitamin D3 synthesis, with vitamin D3 concentrations 5-6 times higher than those obtained after UVB exposure of live larvae using similar exposure times and conditions.

[0157] These unexpected results have a major impact on the possible yield per unit surface area and, therefore, on the industrial relevance of this method for transformed larvae.

[0158] This series of tests also demonstrates the importance of crushing the transformed larvae before UV treatment, which further doubles the vitamin D3 concentration.

[0159] - Second series of tests A second series of studies was performed to demonstrate changes in vitamin D3 concentrations as a function of UV-B exposure time.

[0160] In these tests, multiple samples of Tenebrio Molitor larvae are provided, referred to herein as S1', S2', S3', S4', S5' and S6', which are subjected to different tests.

[0161] The results and analysis of these different tests on the samples are shown in Figure 2. The analysis was carried out by an independent COFRAC accredited laboratory according to standard EN12821:2009-08.

[0162] In this second series of tests, a sample S1' is provided which corresponds to defatted beetle powder.

[0163] In this case, a powder of defatted Tenebrio molitor is provided, to which a UV treatment is applied using a UV lamp positioned at a distance of 20 cm above the larvae S1', with the following bulb characteristics: 25 W; 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm. 2 ;Average temperature: 30℃.

[0164] In this example, extraction of the oily fraction of the larvae is carried out by squeezing the dried larvae that have first been parboiled at 100°C for 2 minutes and then dehydrated at 65°C for 12 hours.

[0165] According to Figure 2, after 10 hours of exposure to UV radiation, the vitamin D3 concentration of sample S1' is 5000-10000 IU / kg vitamin D3.

[0166] In this second series of tests, sample S2' contains live larvae, which are then subjected to a UV treatment during their development using a lamp with a bulb having the following characteristics: 25 W, 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 74.1 μW / cm 2 Average temperature: 31.8°C. Analysis of vitamin D3 concentration is performed on frozen larvae, similar to sample S1 in Figure 1.

[0167] According to Figure 2, the vitamin D3 concentration of sample S2' is 15,000-20,000 IU / kg vitamin D3 after 60 hours of exposure.

[0168] Sample S3' corresponds to a group of live larvae to which UV treatment is applied during the developmental period. The exposure conditions are identical to those of S1' and S2'. According to Figure 2, the same exposure time gives results that are essentially identical to those obtained for sample S2'. Similar to sample S2 in Figure 1, analysis of vitamin D3 concentration is performed on dehydrated and powdered larvae.

[0169] The tests carried out on samples S1', S2' and S3' correspond to an example of embodiment of the patent application WO 02 / 04999, ie UV treatment on live larvae.

[0170] Sample S4' corresponds to whole (killed) dried larvae, which were transformed by killing (hot water treatment at 100°C for 2 min) and then dehydrated before UV treatment.

[0171] However, these larvae remain uncrushed.

[0172] In this test, a UV treatment is then applied to this sample S4' by a lamp having a bulb with the following characteristics: 25 W, 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm 2 ;Average temperature: 29.44℃.

[0173] Note that despite the fact that the killed larvae were not crushed, vitamin D3 concentrations were high, exceeding 60,000 IU / kg vitamin D3 after 24 hours of UV-B exposure, according to Figure 2.

[0174] Finally, in this second series of tests, samples S5' and S6' containing dried and crushed larvae are provided.

[0175] Sample S5' corresponds to larvae that were killed at a low temperature of -18°C, then blanched at 100°C for 2 minutes, then dehydrated at 65°C for 14 hours, and finally crushed.

[0176] Sample S6' corresponds to larvae killed by hot water treatment at 100°C for 2 min, then dehydrated at 65°C for 14 h, and finally crushed. Each point in sample S6' consists of two individual analyses (N = 2; mean ± standard deviation).

[0177] For these samples S5' and S6', a UV lamp is placed at a distance of 20 cm above the larvae. As with S4', this UV lamp has the following bulb characteristics: 25 W, 10% UVB, Exo Terra; average irradiance: 75 μW / cm 2 ;Average temperature: 29.44℃.

[0178] According to Figure 2, the vitamin D3 concentration of sample S5' is 90,000-100,000 IU / kg vitamin D3 after 24 hours of exposure.

[0179] Also according to Figure 2, the vitamin D3 concentration of sample S6' is 80,000-90,000 IU / kg vitamin D3 after 24 hours of exposure, and this concentration exceeds 90,000 IU / kg vitamin D3 after 72 hours of exposure.

[0180] This second series of tests on vitamin D3 concentrations shows that the present invention can increase vitamin D3 synthesis by 4-10 fold over the method described in WO 2007 / 024990 for a given exposure time.

[0181] This second series of studies also shows that milling can maximize vitamin D3 synthesis, but that the results obtained without milling are still very good.

[0182] It should be noted that while the above detailed description relates to specific examples of certain embodiments of the present invention, this description is in no way intended to limit the subject matter of the present invention; on the contrary, this description is intended to eliminate any possible inaccuracies or misinterpretations of the following claims.

[0183] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting, but rather these signs are intended only to improve the clarity and understanding of the following claims and the scope of protection sought.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing beetle powder, comprising a light treatment step in which at least one light source emits ultraviolet radiation toward at least insecticidal beetle larvae (excluding defatted beetle larvae), wherein the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one light source toward the beetle larvae during the light treatment step is UVB radiation and consists of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 280 nm to 320 nm, and the beetle is Tenebrio Molitor.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transforming said beetle larvae prior to said light treatment step, which comprises treating said beetle larvae with insecticide.

3. The insecticidal treatment comprises: low temperature treatment; and / or high temperature treatment; and / or Microwave treatment The method of claim 2 , comprising:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the killing by high temperature treatment comprises placing the larvae in water at a temperature of 50°C to 120°C.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the insecticide by high temperature treatment is carried out for a killing time of 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the transformation step includes a first sieving of the larvae to remove excrement prior to the killing.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the modifying step comprises fasting for 24 to 48 hours prior to killing the insects.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fasting step is followed by a second sieving.

9. 9. The method of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the transformation step comprises low temperature stunning at -18°C to +4°C prior to the killing.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the low-temperature stunning step is carried out for a stunning time of 1 to 5 minutes.

11. 11. The method of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the transformation step includes a dehydration step designed so that, after killing, the killed larvae have a moisture content of 2 to 15% and a water activity of less than 0.

7.

12. the dehydration step comprising: Heating the killed larvae by placing them in an environment of 50 to 150°C for a treatment time of 1 to 24 hours; and / or Microwave treatment The method of claim 11 , comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the transforming step comprises grinding the larvae after dehydration to obtain the beetle powder.

14. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the transformation step is carried out on beetles in the larval or pupal stage.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least insecticidal treated larvae have a thickness of 1 to 100 mm.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein in the light treatment step, the at least one light source is positioned at a specific distance of 1 to 100 cm from the beetle larvae.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source has a radiant power of 13 to 125 watts.

18. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein during the light treatment step, the at least one light source emits ultraviolet radiation towards the at least insecticidal treated beetle larvae over a 24 hour period, continuously or cumulatively for a treatment range of 10 minutes to 24 hours.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the at least insecticidal beetle larvae are kept in an environment having a substantially constant temperature between 20 and 30 ° C during all or part of the light treatment step.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the at least insecticidal beetle larvae are kept in an environment having a substantially constant relative humidity of 30 to 70% during all or part of the light treatment step.

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