SCP, Its Production, Usefulness: Fungi
SCP, Its Production, Usefulness: Fungi
SCP, Its Production, Usefulness: Fungi
Single-cell protein refers to the crude, a refined or edible protein extracted from pure microbial
cultures, dead, or dried cell biomass. They can be used as a protein supplement for both humans
or animals.
Microorganisms like algae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria have very high protein content in their
biomass. These microbes can be grown using inexpensive substrates like agricultural waste viz.
wood shavings, sawdust, corn cobs etc. and even human and animal waste.
The microorganisms utilize the carbon and nitrogen present in these materials and convert them
into high-quality proteins which can be used as a supplement in both human and animal feed.
The single-cell proteins can be readily used as fodder for achieving fattening of calves, pigs, in
breeding fish and even in Animal Husbandry – Poultry and Cattle Farming.
Single Cell Protein (SCP) offers an unconventional but plausible solution to this problem of
protein deficiency being faced by the entire humanity.
A list of the microorganisms used for the production of Single Cell Protein is as follows:
Fungi
Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus niger
Rhizopus cyclopean
Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Candida tropicalis
Candida utilis
Algae
Spirulina sps
Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Chondrus crispus
Bacteria
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Lactobacillus
Bacillus megaterium
Here are the average compositions of the different microorganisms present in the % dry weight
of Single-cell protein.
Like any other microbial culture, production of pure microbial cultures for desired protein
products requires a nitrogen source, sources of carbohydrates and other nutrients like
phosphorus to support optimal growth of the culture. Contamination is prevented by
maintaining strict sterile conditions throughout the process. The components of the culture
media are either heat sterilized or filtered through microporous membranes. The selected
microorganism is then inoculated in pure conditions. Most of the processes are highly aerobic,
except algal fermentation; hence a good supply of oxygen is an indispensable requirement.
After the multiplication of the biomass, it is recovered from the medium and purified further
for enhanced usefulness and or storability.
Large-scale Single-Cell Protein production has multiple advantages over conventional food
production practices such as:
The microbes can be easily genetically modified to vary the amino acid composition.
A broad variety of raw materials, including waste materials, can be used as a substrate.
This also helps in decreasing the number of pollutants.
In spite of many advantages, there are few drawbacks. Single-Cell Protein has not been widely
accepted for human consumption owing to certain problems as follows:
High level of nucleic acid in biomass makes it difficult for consumption as it may lead
to gastrointestinal problems.
The biomass may trigger an allergic reaction if the digestive system recognizes it as a
foreign product.
The presence of nucleic acids in high content leads to elevated levels of uric acid.
In certain cases, the development of kidney stone and gout if consumed in high quality.
1. Controlling obesity.
2. Lowers blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
3. Reducing body weight, cholesterol and stress.
4. Prevents accumulation of cholesterol in the body.
Used in Poultry: