A novel advanced technique for dual production of black soldier fly oil and protein

The increasing demand for sustainable feed ingredients has promoted the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a source of protein and oil. This study evaluated the effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and hot press extraction on oil yield, proximate composition, fatty acid profile (GC-FID), and amino acid composition (qualitative HPLC). Larvae were reared for 14 days on a palm kernel meal-pollard substrate (1:3), microwave-dried at 120 °C for 5 minutes and processed into flour. Both extraction methods were performed in triplicate, and data were analyzed using independent t-tests. UAE produced a significantly higher oil yield than hot press extraction. The defatted meal from UAE contained significantly higher ash, protein, and crude fiber, whereas hot press extraction resulted in higher residual lipid content. No significant differences were observed in fatty acid profiles, with lauric acid (~44%) remaining predominant in both methods. Amino acid profiles were also comparable, with glutamate and leucine as the most abundant non-essential and essential amino acids, respectively. In conclusion, extraction methods affected oil yield and proximate composition but did not alter fatty acid or amino acid profiles. UAE is recommended for higher oil recovery and improved defatted meal quality.