Lier Inn SuangLeong Siew YoongMei Kying Ong2025-10-132025-10-13202510.1063/5.0249275https://dspace-cris.utar.edu.my/handle/123456789/11474The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae (BSFP) has gained attention as a potential sustainable source of protein and other valuable components. In this study, the effects of oven drying on the nutritional composition, antioxidant, and physicochemical properties of BSFP was investigated. The prepupae were subjected to oven drying at a temperature range of 60 to 80 °C and drying duration of 24 to 72 h. The results revealed significant changes in the nutritional composition of BSFP following oven drying. The crude protein content ranged from 37.44 to 45.43% which was significantly different at p < 0.0005, while the lipid content varied from 36.52 to 47.47% which has significant differences (p < 0.0001). Moisture content decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) during the oven drying process, ranging from 63.84 to 67.68%. For fat characterization analysis, iodine value and peroxide value were significantly influenced by oven drying, varied from 18 to 41 g I2/100g and 24 to 55 meq /100 g, respectively. Furthermore, oven drying led to a significant reduction in the antioxidant activity of the prepupae at p < 0.0005, as indicated by the DPPH free radical scavenging activity, which ranged from 56.28 to 87.49%. The browning index of the oven-dried prepupae increased significantly at p < 0.05, ranging from 131.61 to 364.59, indicating the occurrence of Maillard reactions. However, the drying process had no significant effects on the physicochemical properties such as water absorption and solubility indexes. These findings demonstrated that oven drying of BSFP at temperatures between 60 and 80 °C for up to 72 h can effectively reduce moisture content, making it a promising method for preserving essential nutrients. Further research is warranted to optimize drying conditions and explore potential applications of dried BSFP in food and feed industries. © 2025 Author(s).enbrowning reactiondrying parametersedible insectsproteinwater absorptionwater solubilityproceedings-article