Process selection for protein-enrichment: fermentation of the sugar industry by-products molasses and sugar beet pulp

Abstract

Four fungi were cultivated in submerged (SF) and solid state fermentation (SSF) using sugar beet pulp and beet molasses as substrates. Products of up to 27% protein content were obtained in SF of beet pulp. The cultures grew well in diluted molasses solutions of 3–4% sugar concentration under SF and biomass containing 32% protein was produced. Sugar beet pulp could be upgraded to a product of 31% protein level with 49% product recovery in SSF of 5 days using a spore inoculum; whereas upgrading of 33·8% protein could be achieved in SSF of 3 days using a mycelial pre-culture prepared in a molasses medium.