Protein Extraction Process from Black Soldier Fly Larvae

The technology relates to a process for obtaining protein from Black Soldier Fly larvae (insects/worms). The process extracts protein from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), separates the protein from undesired lipids and chitin and upgrades the protein to a consumer-acceptable grade, ultimately producing a dry powder final product. The technology fractionates the raw material to separately recover the lipids, protein and chitin fractions in a two-step extraction process. Ultrafiltration is then used to reduce the ash content in the protein. The extract is then dried to obtain the BSFL extract protein powder. The protein content, lipid content, ash content, chitin content and moisture content of the final product are verified within the following proximate composition:

The upgraded protein product produced is a high-protein, low ash powder product aimed to be suitable for use in human food products (e.g. soup powders, nutritional supplements etc.)

The process uses optimised processing conditions to obtain the claimed features.