Single Cell Protein

Introduction

With the ever-increasing population of the world, the demand for food has risen dramatically. Ordinary agricultural practices and animal husbandry have not been able to meet the nutritional needs of today’s people. This has led to malnutrition due to a lack of protein in the diet.

What is Single Cell Protein -SCP?

Single-celled protein means a lean, refined or edible protein extracted from the culture of germs, dead, or dried cells. They can be used as a protein supplement for humans or animals.

Microorganisms such as algae, fungi, yeasts, and bacteria have a very high protein content in their biomass. These pests can be grown using inexpensive substrates such as agricultural waste. planks, saws, corn cobs etc. even human and animal waste.

Microorganisms use the carbon and nitrogen present in these substances and convert them into high-quality proteins that can be used as a supplement to both human and animal foods. Single-celled proteins can be easily used as fodder to gain weight for calves, pigs, fish breeding and even for raising animals – Poultry and Cattle Farming.

Single Cell Protein (SCP) provides an unusual but logical solution to the problem of protein deficiency that is a universal problem.

Single Cell Protein Sources

The list of microorganisms used in the production of Single Cell Protein is as follows:

Mold

• Aspergillus fumigatus
• Aspergillus niger
• Rhizopus cyclopean

Yeast

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Candida tropicalis
• Candida is used

Algae

• Spirulina (spa)
• Chlorella pyrenoidosa
• Chondrus crispus

Bacteria

• Pseudomonas fluorescens
• Lactobacillus
• Bacillus megaterium

Single Cell Protein Production

Production is done in the following steps:

• Choosing the right type.
• Fermentation.
• Harvesting.
• Post-harvest treatment.
• Dietary SCP processing.

Like any other microbial culture, the production of pure microbial cultures in the desired protein products requires a source of nitrogen, carbohydrates and other nutrients such as phosphorus to support good cultural growth. Contamination is prevented by keeping firm conditions free from the whole process. Parts of the traditional media may be sterilized or filtered through a microporous membrane. Selected microorganism is then vaccinated in clean conditions. Most procedures are very aerobic, with the exception of algal fermentation; that is why good access to oxygen is an essential requirement. After biomass replication, it is returned to a central location and purified continuously for improved performance or preservation.

Benefits of Single Cell Protein

Large Single-Cell Production has many advantages over conventional food production processes such as:

Smaller organisms have a higher rate of replication, which means that a larger amount of biomass can be produced in a relatively short time.
Bacteria can be genetically modified to change the composition of amino acids.
A wide variety of raw materials, including disposable materials, can be used as a substrate. This also helps to reduce the amount of pollutants.
Production is independent of the weather.
Inadequacy of Single-Cell Protein

Despite the many benefits, there are a few drawbacks. Single-Cell Protein has not been widely accepted for human use due to certain problems such as:

• High levels of nucleic acid in biomass make it difficult to use as it can lead to stomach problems.
• Biomass can cause allergies if the digestive system sees it as a foreign product.
• The presence of nucleic acids in high content leads to high levels of uric acid.
• In some cases, the development of kidney stones and gout with high doses.
• Possibility of secondary toxic metabolites resulting in Hypersensitivity and other skin reactions.
• High production costs are high as sophisticated equipment is required.

Consumption of Single Cell Protein

• Provides fast power.
• Ideal for healthy eyes and skin.
• It provides the best protein-rich foods for malnourished children.
• It serves as a good source of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, raw fibers, etc.

Used in medicinal and natural remedies:

Obesity control.

• Lower your blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
• Weight loss, cholesterol and stress.
• It prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the body.

Used in cosmetic products:

• Keeping hair healthy.
• Production of various herbal beauty products, such as Biolipstics, herbal face cream, etc.

Used in chickens:

As it serves as an excellent and easy source of protein and other nutrients, it is widely used to feed cattle, birds, fish etc.

FAQ’s

What is a single cell protein?

Single-cell protein is a refined form of protein extracted from bacteria grown under the right conditions.

What are proteins and nucleic acids in mold and yeast formation?

Mold - 30-45% protein and 7-10% nucleic acid. Yeast - 45-55% protein and 6-12% nucleic acid.

What are the components of SCP?

In addition to protein, SCP contains fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.