Pulsed Electric Field Processing for Insect Protein Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing protein mass from insect larvae are not energy-efficient and do not consistently produce a sensorially acceptable product for use as food or feed.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cleaning, applying pulsed electric fields, comminuting, fractionating, and drying insect larvae to separate solid and liquid phases, with the application of pulsed electric fields accelerating the drying process and enhancing protein content in the solid phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insect larvae are heated to denature proteins (e.g., 50°C or higher), then the larvae are killed and processed more easily, but the protein mass loses its native structure and sensory acceptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal processing (heating to denature proteins) with pulsed electric field treatment. The PEF method achieves larva inactivation and cell membrane disruption without thermal denaturation, preserving protein native structure and sensory qualities while maintaining processing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for larva inactivation from temperature (thermal energy) to electric field intensity (electrical energy). By applying pulsed electric fields with specific parameters (field strength, pulse duration, frequency), the process achieves effective larva processing while avoiding protein denaturation and maintaining sensory acceptability.
2Device complexity
If conventional drying methods are used after comminution, then the process is simple, but energy consumption is high and drying time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulsed electric fields to the comminuted insect mass before drying to pre-disrupt cell structures and facilitate water removal. This preliminary action reduces the energy and time required for subsequent drying by making the material more amenable to rapid moisture removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulsed electric fields with specific pulse durations and frequencies during the drying process. These periodic electrical pulses create microchannels and facilitate water evaporation, significantly reducing drying time and energy consumption compared to continuous thermal drying methods.
3Ease of operation
If insect larvae are processed with water addition during comminution, then the mass is easier to handle, but the protein mass has higher water content requiring more energy for drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing with water addition with pulsed electric field treatment. The PEF method provides sufficient fluidity and handleability of the comminuted mass through electrical disruption of cell structures without adding external water, thereby avoiding the need for additional drying energy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method results in a protein mass with higher protein content and lower water and lipid content, improving energy efficiency and sensory acceptability for use as food or feed.
Implementation Method 1
applying pulsed electric fields to the cleaned insect larvae... the application of pulsed electric fields accelerating the drying process
Implementation Method 2
fractionating the insect mass into a solid and at least one liquid phase
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing protein mass from insect larvae, which method comprises the steps of: - cleaning insect larvae, - applying pulsed electrical fields to the cleaned insects and crushing the insect larvae to produce an insect mass and - subsequently fractionating the insect mass into a solid material and at least one liquid phase - with subsequent drying of the solid material.