Single Cell Protein

Increasing food demand is a result of the continuous increase in global population, which is increasing alarmingly fast in response. In order to meet the nutritional needs of the current population, standard agricultural and animal husbandry approaches have proven to be insufficient. The effect has been malnutrition as a result of a lack of protein in the diet.

Single Cell Protein (SCP) and its working

Single-cell protein refers to the crude, refined, or edible protein that is isolated from dried cell biomass, dead cells and pure microbial cultures or depending on the application. They can be utilised as a source of protein for both animals and humans depending on the species.

Bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae are examples of microorganisms that have a high protein content in the biomass they produce. Microbes can be produced on inexpensive substrates such as agricultural waste (corn cobs, sawdust and wood shavings and so on), as well as animal and human waste, according to the National Institute of Health.

When the microbes consume the carbon and nitrogen in these materials, they produce high-quality proteins that can be utilised as a nutritional supplement in both animal and human food. Single-cell proteins can be used as fodder for fattening pigs and calves, for fish breeding, and even in animal husbandry i.e cattle farming and poultry – because they are easily digestible.

Single Cell Protein (SCP), a novel but plausible solution to the protein deficiency problem humanity is currently facing

The following is a list of the microorganisms that have been used in the production of Single Cell Protein:

Algae

Chondrus crispus 

Chlorella pyrenoidosa 

Spirulina is a type of algae (spa)

Fungi

Rhizopus cyclopean 

Aspergillus niger 

Aspergillus fumigatus 

Bacteria

Pseudomonas fluorescens is a type of bacteria that glows in the dark.

Bacillus megaterium 

Lactobacillus

Yeast

Candida utilis

Candida tropicalis 

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

These are the average compositions of the microorganisms discovered in Single-cell protein in the % dry weight, 

Single-Cell Protein Production is a new technology.

Steps involved in the manufacturing process

• The selection of an appropriate strain
• Fermentation
• Harvesting
• Post-harvest care is essential
• SCP processing for the food industry

Pure microbial cultures for the manufacture of desired protein products, like any other microbial culture, necessitate the use of a nitrogen supply, sources of carbohydrates, and other nutrients such as phosphorus in order for the culture to thrive at its ideal level. Maintaining stringent sanitary conditions throughout the operation helps to prevent contamination. The components of the culture media are either heat sterilised or filtered via microporous membranes before being used in the experiment. A pure environment is used to inoculate the bacterium that was selected. With the exception of algal fermentation, most of the processes are extremely aerobic in nature; hence, a sufficient supply of oxygen is an absolute necessity. Biomass is retrieved from the medium and cleaned further in order to improve its usefulness and/or storability after it has been multiplied.

The Benefits of Single-Cell Protein Production

 In large scale production of Single-Cell Proteins, it has a number of advantages over standard food production processes, including the following.

Due to the fast rate of multiplication of microorganisms, a considerable amount of biomass can be produced within a shorter time span compared to other organisms.

It is quite simple to genetically modify bacteria in order to change their amino acid makeup.

As a substrate, a wide range of raw materials, including waste materials, can be used. The possibilities are endless. This also contributes to a reduction in the number of contaminants.

The production process is not affected by weather conditions.

Aspects of single-cell protein that are disadvantageous

Despite the numerous positives, there are just a few disadvantages. A number of issues prevent single-cell protein from becoming widely approved for human ingestion. These issues are as follows:

• Because of the high concentration of nucleic acid in biomass, it is difficult to consume because it may cause gastrointestinal difficulties
• If the digestive system perceives the biomass as a foreign substance, it may result in an allergic reaction to the substance
• The presence of nucleic acids in high concentrations results in higher amounts of uric acid in the bloodstream
• The development of kidney stones and gout in some people if they consume high-quality food can occur
• There is a possibility of the presence of secondary toxic metabolites, which might cause hypersensitivity and other skin reactions in susceptible individuals
• Because specialised machinery is necessary, the initial investment in production is significant

Various applications of a Protein Produced by a Single Cell

• Instantaneous energy is provided
• It is incredibly beneficial for maintaining healthy eyes and skin
• The best protein-fortified meal for undernourished children
• It is an excellent source of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, crude fibres and other nutrients

Utilised in herbal medications and therapeutic 

• Obesity prevention and management
• Patients with diabetes benefit from this as it lowers their blood sugar levels
• Reduce your overall body weight, cholesterol, and stress levels
• It helps to keep cholesterol levels in your body from rising too high
• Cosmetics products that contain this ingredient
• Keeping your hair in good condition
• Used in biolipstics and herbal face cream are few of the many herbal beauty products that are manufactured

Use in Poultry Production

It is widely utilised as a source of protein and other nutrients for fish, fowl, and cattle because it is a convenient and excellent supply of protein and other nutrients.

Conclusion

Single cell protein refers to extracted protein obtained from bacteria, fungus and so on which can be used as a protein supplement provided to both humans and animals. Microorganisms like fungi, algae, and some bacteria have a huge amount of proteins in their biomass. These microbes can be cultivated in inexpensive products like agricultural wastes, for instance sawdust, wood shavings corn cobs, and so on. The global population is increasing at a huge rate and that is why the demand for food throughout the world is also increasing day by day decreasing the land for agriculture. Therefore, it has become necessary to avoid the conventional methods of farming and agriculture and introduce newer innovations and techniques for the same.