Single cell proteins and its production.

Single cell protein (SCP) is a bulk of dried cells which can also termed as bioprotein, microbial protein or biomass. SCP is produced by the microorganisms such as algae, yeast, fungi and bacteria, however, fungi and bacteria are the major producers of this protein.

1. SINGLE CELL PROTEINS B. LOKESHWARI II. M. Sc MICROBIOLOGY SACRED HEART COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) TIRUPATTUR

2. SINGLE CELL PROTEINS P rotein derived from microorganisms. S ources of mixed protein extracted from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeasts, fungi or bacteria. Professor Wilson Of the MIT, Cambridge, USA Used to replace the ‘microbial’ or ‘bacterial’ protein or ‘ petroprotein ’ SPC was recognized that protein malnutrition than that of other foods and the world protein deficiency. Nutritional value of scp depends on the composition of the microbial cells used especially their protein, amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents.

3. SUBSTRATES USED FOR SCP PRODUCTION Single Cell Proteins are produced from microbes, but for the growth of microbes’ substrates as energy sources are must. Wide varieties of substrates have been used for SCP production and include hydrocarbons, alcohols, and wastes from various sources.

4. Traditionally used substrates for SCP production Different hydrocarbons have been used, 1. Hydro Carbons

5. M ethane has been most widely used as a predominant gas and a source of SCP. Others include propane and butane. In the absence of residual hydrocarbon in the single cell protein produced from it, unlike the case with liquid hydrocarbons. One of its major disadvantages is that it is highly inflammable. 2.Gaseous hydrocarbons

6. The major source of liquid hydrocarbons is crude petroleum. These hydrocarbons were first studied as a source of microbial vitamins and lipids. M any other oil companies and governments all over the world set-up research and pilot plants. C rude oil as a substrate for SCP has been used. 3. Liquid Hydrocarbons

7. The next substrates used for SCP production While work on SCP production from n-paraffin and gas oil was in progress, alternatives to petroleum-based substrates were sought. Methanol and ethanol alternatives for SCP Production 4. Alcohols

8. Methanol is produced by the oxidation of paraffins in the gas or liquid phase or by the catalytic reduction by hydrogen of CO and CO2, either singly or mixed. The use of methanol as a SCP substrate has received attention by oil companies in Italy, West Germany, Norway, Sweden, Israel, UK, US. 5. Methanol

9. Ethanol may be produced by the fermentative activity of yeasts. In the synthetic process however, it is produced by the hydration of ethylene. Although ethanol can be utilized ordinarily by many bacteria and yeasts, as a substrate for SCP, it is largely used by yeasts. Despite this advantage yeast produced from ethanol is being produced and marketed as a flavor enhancer in baked foods, pizzas, sauces, etc., 6 . E thanol

10. 7. Waste Products A large number of reports of SCP production from waste material have been used Other than these, a wide variety of substrates may also be used for SCP production. These include coffee wastes, coconut wastes, palm-oil wastes, citrus waste, etc …

11. MICROORGANISMS USED IN SCP PRODUCTION S ubstrate must be used as carbon and nitrogen source with high specific growth rates and productivity. S how tolerance towards pH and temperature, non - pathogenicity and absence of toxins. The microorganism must be easily available for harvesting with high protein yield. I ndustrially important microbes may not the suitable organisms. In addition to the industrial organisms it should also have been used in SCP production

12. COMMERICIAL PRODUCTION OF SCP The estimated yield of 250 tons of protein in 24 hours is achieved by using 100 lbs of yeast. A 1000 lbs steer can synthesize only 1 lb of protein in 24 hrs after consuming 12 to 20 lbs of plant proteins. Algae that are grown in small ponds can produce upto 20 tons of protein. The obtained yield is 10 to 15 times higher than soybean and 25 to 50 times higher than corn.

13. PROCESS OF SCP The production of single cell protein takes place in a fermentation process. This is done by selected strains of microorganisms which are multiplied on suitable raw materials in technical cultivation process.

14. NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF SCP To estimate the nutritional value of SCP, factors such as nutrient composition, amino acid profile, vitamin and nucleic acid content, allergies and gastrointestinal effects should be considered. SCPs are good source of vitamins, particularly B-complex, with modest amino acid composition furnished with thiamine, riboflavin, glutathione and folic acid. Yeast strains with probiotic properties boost larval survival by colonizing the gut of fish larvae.

15. ADVANTAGES OF SCP

16. DIS - ADVANTAGES OF SCP