Chapter 4 - Management of biodegradable waste through the production of single-cell protein

Abstract

Rapid and increased urbanization resulted in the generation of waste. Treatment and disposal of waste are some of the significant global challenges. Physical, chemical, and thermal methods gained much attention due to the robustness. Disadvantages associated with physical and chemical methods of waste treatment urged alternative strategies. The conversion of waste into value-added products gained much interest among the scientific community as it results in “waste to wealth.” The biodegradable waste can be converted into single-cell protein. Growing the edible, unicellular microorganisms on the biodegradable waste leads to the production of biomass. The protein content in the microbial biomass/single-cell protein is higher than in the plant and animal material. Single-cell protein has high nutritional value with rich amino acid composition and safe for human consumption. Management of biodegradable waste into single-cell protein is having economic advantages with broad applications. Food and agricultural waste are transformed into single-cell protein, which helps to reach the demands of poultry, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries.