Single cell protein Flashcards
mycoprotein intro
Single-cell protein (SCP) production using fungi is a promising biotechnological process that utilizes microorganisms, particularly fungi, as a sustainable and efficient source of protein. the production of SCP involves several crucial steps, including the selection of appropriate fungal strains, the fermentation process, and post-fermentation recovery of biomass. The following details the various processes involved in SCP production using fungi
first step - selection
The process begins with screening different fungal species such as Aspergillus Muor and Rhizopus, for their ability to utilize a given substrate, such as agricultural waste, food industry by-products, or specific substrates like fruit peels and starchy materials for their high carbohydrate content (Alves et al., 2024; Gomaa et al., 2024).
Second step - fermentation
During fermentation, the fungal organisms consume the available sugars and produce cellular biomass as the primary output. The biochemical pathways involved include glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, where sugars are converted into energy, and amino acids are synthesized for protein formation. In addition to the use of carbon-rich substrates, nitrogen sources (such as ammonium salts or urea) are often added to the medium to support fungal growth and protein synthesis (Alves et al., 2024).
Third step - actual scp fermentation
Fermentation is typically carried out in a liquid medium, although solid-state fermentation can also be used, depending on the nature of the substrate. In submerged fermentation, the fungal spores are inoculated into the medium and incubated under controlled conditions, where parameters like pH, temperature, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored to optimize fungal growth and protein production.
Studies have shown that adjusting these factors can significantly enhance protein yield. For example, controlling the aeration in fermentation tanks ensures sufficient oxygen supply, which is critical for the synthesis of high-quality SCP (Gomaa et al., 2024).
During this period, fungal mycelia proliferate and accumulate biomass. Protein content generally increases during the exponential growth phase, where nutrient availability and environmental conditions are most favorable.
fOurth step -
After the fermentation process, the next critical step is biomass recovery. The fungal biomass, which is rich in protein, is harvested by filtering or centrifuging the fermentation broth to separate the mycelial mass from the liquid medium. The biomass can then be dried, typically by freeze-drying or air-drying, to remove excess moisture and increase its shelf life. The resulting dried fungal biomass can be processed further to improve its taste, texture, and digestibility for human or animal consumption.
One of the challenges in SCP production is the presence of non-protein nitrogenous compounds, cell wall components, and other by-products that may affect the quality of the final product. Therefore, various downstream processing techniques, such as enzyme treatments or chemical modifications, are applied to enhance the protein content and improve its nutritional value (Alves et al., 2024).
Conc + future directives
SCP production using fungi is a multi-step process that involves the selection of appropriate fungal strains, optimization of fermentation conditions, and efficient harvesting of biomass. The use of fruit and agricultural waste substrates presents a sustainable avenue for SCP production, contributing to circular economies by reducing waste while generating high-value protein products.
