Abstract
Single cell protein (SCP) is the first product of the fermentation process and has proven to be a good protein alternative. Food competition is becoming more intense as the world’s population continues to grow. Soon, SCP may be able to compensate for a protein deficit. Various global businesses are focusing on SCP production, and the scope of its application is expanding as time and knowledge increases. High quantities of SCP can be produced by microorganisms, such as algae, yeast, fungi and bacteria, due to their fast development rate and the significant level of protein in their chemical structure. Beside proteins, SCP contains carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, minerals, vitamins and several important amino acids. SCP has been an effective substitute for more expensive protein sources such as fish and soybean products. In conclusion, SCP can easily replace traditional protein sources in human and animal feed without detrimental effects. Potential substrate candidates and optimization strategies for SCP production have been extensively studied. This review article focuses on the various aspects of SCP, from its production, using different substrates, player microorganisms and nutritional benefits, to its economic aspects.
Highlights
The current review focuses on the various aspects of Single cell protein (SCP), i.e., its application and the selection of a substrate and production method using different microbial sources, and aims to identify future perspectives and challenges related to SCP
Researchers and businesses from all over the world are interested in SCP production Thanks to the multiple promising benefits that these proteins provide, various firms have sprouted up that claim to be able to commercialize SCP
Algae, fungi, yeast and bacteria can be utilized for SCP production but each have their own advantages and disadvantages
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9284 wide amino acid spectrum, low fat content and a higher protein:carbohydrate ratio than forages [7]. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of natural waste wood originating from agriculture and forestry sources are attractive natural sources of SCP They must be pretreated chemically (acid hydrolysis) or enzymatically (cellulases) to transform cellulose into fermentable sugars. Agricultural waste has been reported to be an excellent substrate for cost-effective SCP production, the resulting protein-enriched product being of good quality and suitable for animal feed. It can even be consumed by humans after further processing [11]. The production of SCP from non-waste sources achieved industrial-scale production in the 1970s but was not economically competitive with other protein supplements Recently, interest in SCP has been renewed, partly because of the identification of new, less expensive production processes, but largely due to the realization that SCP production has vast potential environmental benefits over traditional protein supplements in animal feed [12]
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