Microalgae and insects as alternative protein sources: Benefits and risks
https://doi.org/10.21323/2618-9771-2023-6-4-497-503
Abstract
Animal products have traditionally been considered the main sources of protein, but due to the increasing population of the planet and environmental pollution, there is a need to find new solutions to meet basic human nutritional needs. An alternative can be insects and microalgae — groups of organisms that, in their nutritional properties and chemical composition, are not inferior to products of animal origin. They are able to have a beneficial effect on the human body due to their high content of vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Introducing edible insects or microalgae into the human diet has many environmental benefits, including reducing overall greenhouse gases and reducing land and water consumption. This review examines the chemical composition of microalgae and some types of insects, notes the influence of raw material components on human health, describes associated biologically active compounds, as well as basic cultivation technologies and examples of commercial use. In Russia, due to climatic conditions, only seasonal cultivation of microalgae in open pools is possible. Phytobioreactors for year-round operation require significant financial investments, especially for additional lighting and heating. Microalgae are not very popular in Russia; they are mainly used as part of dietary supplements. Edible insects can be grown using recycled resources and require less initial investment. Today they are considered by scientists as a source of protein for farm animals.
Supporting agencies: This article was published as part of the research topic No. FGUS2022–0017 and No. FGUS2022–0018 of the state assignment of the V. M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of RAS.
About the Authors
G. I. Sutula
All-Russia Research Institute for Food Additives
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Gleb I. Sutula, Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnological Innovations
55, Liteyny Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, 191014, Tel.: +7–812–273–75–24
D. S. Ryabukhin
All-Russia Research Institute for Food Additives
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dmitry S. Ryabukhin, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Head of Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnological Innovations
55, Liteyny Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, 191014, Tel.: +7–812–273–75–24
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Sutula G.I., Ryabukhin D.S. Microalgae and insects as alternative protein sources: Benefits and risks. Food systems. 2023;6(4):497-503. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21323/2618-9771-2023-6-4-497-503
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