Evaluation of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae protein extract as a cryoprotectant for frozen Pacific white shrimp

Abstract

This study evaluated the application of yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor ) larvae protein extract (YMPE) as a clean-label cryoprotectant for frozen Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ), with emphasis on its underlying mechanism. Proteomic profiling identified 12 antifreeze protein-like peptides containing conserved ice-binding motifs (TCTxSxxCxxAx), supporting the cryoprotective potential of YMPE. During dose optimization, shrimp treated with 0.5% YMPE exhibited the highest weight gain (5.57%) and lowest freezable water content (59.67%) (P < 0.05). The cryoprotective efficacy of YMPE was further evaluated over five freeze–thaw cycles in comparison with distilled water and mixed phosphate. YMPE significantly mitigated quality deterioration by enhancing water retention, preserving protein functionality (higher Ca²⁺-ATPase activity), and reducing lysosomal enzyme leakage relative to the control (P < 0.05). Microstructural analysis revealed reduced muscle fiber disruption, characterized by fewer inter-fiber gaps. Mechanistically, YMPE may exert cryoprotective effects through a multimodal mechanism involving ice recrystallization inhibition and formation of a protective protein matrix. Although less effective than mixed phosphate, YMPE consistently improved all quality parameters compared with the control. These findings highlight the potential of insect-derived protein extracts as a novel, biologically based alternative to phosphate additives in seafood processing and provide a foundation for future industrial application.