Evaluation of feasibility of Tenebrio molitor larval fractions as a meat analog using 3D printing.

To confirm the applicability of Tenebrio molitor larvae as meat analogs using three-dimensional printing, the deformation rate after 3D printing and texture profile analysis (TPA) after post-processing (steaming) of 3D printing inks composed of 18% soy protein isolate (SPI) and T. molitor larval fractions (filtrate, supernatant, and pellet) were evaluated. When 15% pellet was included, the lowest deformation was 0.04% due to the structural support and easy extrusion due to the increase of the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss tangent (tan δ) and uniform network structure. In addition, the sample containing 15% pellets had the highest hardness (83.57 N) and chewability (55.97 N) after post-processing due to the high protein content in the pellets and the presence of myofibrillar proteins and dense internal structure. This study provides guidelines for improving the printability and texture effects through the supplementation of SPI-based inks with T. molitor larval fractions. • Pellet enhances printability and reduces deformation in 3D-printed meat analogs. • Including 15% pellet in ink formulation improves printability. • T. molitor larval fractions contribute to increased hardness and chewiness. • Pellet show promise for enhancing the printability and texture as meat analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]