Single-cell proteins (SCP) or microbial proteins are unicellular microorganisms. The biomass which I extract from the protein extract from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeasts, fungi, or bacteria may be used as an ingredient or a substitute for protein-rich foods and is suitable for human consumption or as animal feed.
SCP is commonly grown on agricultural waste products that inherit the ecological footprint and water footprint of industrial agriculture. However, SCP may also be produced entirely independent of agricultural waste products through autotrophic growth.
Because of the high diversity of microbial metabolism, autotrophic SCP provides several different modes of growth and also options of nutrient recycling and substantially increased efficiency compared to crops.
Listed below is a table of single-cell protein production microorganisms that are used widely-
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Fungi |
Yeast |
Bacteria |
Algae |
|
Aspergillus niger |
Candida utilis |
Pseudomonas fluorescens |
Chlorella pyrenoidosa |
|
Rhizopus cyclopean |
Saccharomyces cerevisiae |
Bacillus megaterium |
Chondrus crispus |
|
Aspergillus fumigatus |
Candida tropicalis |
Lactobacillus |
Spirulina sps |
Production of Single Cell Protein:
Single-cell proteins develop when microbes ferment waste materials including wood, straw, cannery, and food-processing wastes, residues from alcohol production, hydrocarbons, or human and animal excreta.
Advantages of Single Cell Protein:
The primary advantage of SCP production is the quantity of protein produced. By providing appropriate conditions, microbial culture can create a high amount of protein.
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Microorganisms have a much faster growth rate. Under optimum conditions, these microorganisms can generate a large amount of biomass. Some microbes can double their bulk in 30 minutes.
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The quantity and quality of protein generated from these bacteria are superior to that of other animals and plants.
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Microbes are easy to manipulate genetically. As a result, diverse amino acid compositions can be observed.
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Waste products can be employed as a substrate in the creation of SCPs. This also helps to reduce pollution.
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The fermentation procedures, as well as the culture conditions, are both simple.
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The generation of microorganisms is not affected by environmental factors.
Disadvantages of Single Cell Protein:
Single-cell protein has the following disadvantages for human consumption:
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SPC ingestion may be detrimental to humans due to the limited capacity of decomposing nucleic acid. These microorganisms contain 5-15 percent nucleic acid, which can be harmful to humans. It has the potential to induce serious gastrointestinal problems.
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SCP can potentially produce allergic reactions in people who have a delicate digestive system or whose bodies fail to recognize the biomass.
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A high nucleic acid concentration might also cause an increase in uric acid levels in the blood.
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Consumption of single-cell protein regularly can result in gout and kidney stones.
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Following intake, some people may experience cutaneous reactions.
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Finally, due to the need for high-end machinery, the production cost may be higher.
Application of Single Cell Protein:
Obesity, stress, weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can all be controlled with this therapeutic and pharmaceutical use.
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Application for hair and skin care products.
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Malnourished people can benefit from a protein supplement.
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A convenient feeding source for poultry, fisheries, and animal farms.