Single-Cell Protein (SCP)

Introduction

• Rapid increase in world population has led to food shortages.
• Approximately 1/4 of the global population suffers from hunger and malnutrition.
• Conventional agriculture is insufficient to meet global food demands.
• Need for alternative food production methods.

What is Single-Cell Protein?

• Definition: Dried cells of protein-rich microorganisms used as protein supplements in human foods and animal feeds.
• Examples:
  • Blue-green algae: Spirulina
  • Fungi: Mushrooms
  • Yeasts: Candida
  • Filamentous fungi: Fusarium graminearum

Benefits of Single-Cell Protein

• Rich in proteins, low in fat.
• Contains essential nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

Sources of Single-Cell Protein

• Spirulina:
  • High in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
  • Grown in starch-rich wastewater, reducing environmental pollution.
  • Sources include potato processing wastewater, straw, molasses, animal manure, and sewage.
• Yeasts like Candida
• Fungi:
  • Example: Mushrooms which are commonly consumed.
• Bacteria:
  • Example: Methylophilus methylotrophus with 80% protein content.

Nutritional Profile

• SCP is characterized by high protein content (40-55% of body mass is protein).
• Some bacteria offer up to 80% protein content.

Environmental Impact

• SCP production helps in reducing environmental pollution by utilizing waste materials for growth.