The microbes involved in the preparation of single cell proteins are algae, yeast, or bacteria. These microbes are grown on an industrial scale to obtain the desired protein. ... It serves as a rich supplement of dietary nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrate, fats, minerals, and vitamins.

The role of microbes in single cell protein

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to the protein obtained from the microbial biomass. The microbial biomass is composed of bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and algae. The production of SCP from microbes has gained importance in recent years due to the increasing demand for protein-rich food for animals and humans. The role of microbes in single-cell protein production is explained below.

Microbial growth

Microbes have the ability to grow rapidly under optimum conditions. They can utilize various substrates like agricultural waste, industrial waste, and sewage as a source of nutrients for their growth. The microorganisms can be grown in fermenters or bioreactors under controlled conditions to obtain high yields of biomass.

Protein synthesis

Microbes have the ability to synthesize all the essential amino acids required for protein synthesis. The amino acid profile of the microbial biomass can be altered by manipulating the growth conditions. For example, the addition of limiting nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus can increase the protein content of the biomass.

Harvesting and processing

The harvested microbial biomass can be processed to obtain the SCP. The biomass is first washed to remove any impurities and then dried to remove the moisture. The dried biomass is then ground into a fine powder and used as a protein supplement in animal feed or human food.

Advantages of SCP

The production of SCP has several advantages over traditional protein sources like soybean, fish meal, and meat.

1. High protein content: The microbial biomass can have a protein content of up to 70%.

2. Sustainable production: The production of SCP utilizes waste materials that would otherwise pollute the environment.

3. Lower land and water usage: The production of SCP requires less land and water compared to traditional protein sources.

4. Cost-effective: The production of SCP is cost-effective as it utilizes waste materials and requires less energy.

Conclusion

The role of microbes in single-cell protein production is crucial. The ability of microbes to grow rapidly and synthesize proteins makes them an ideal source for SCP production. The production of SCP has several advantages over traditional protein sources and can help in meeting the increasing demand for protein-rich food.