What is a Single-Cell Protein?
Single-cell proteins (SCP) or microbial proteins are unicellular microorganisms. The biomass which I extract from the protein extract from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeasts, fungi, or bacteria may be used as an ingredient or a substitute for protein-rich foods and is suitable for human consumption or as animal feed.
SCP is commonly grown on agricultural waste products that inherit the ecological footprint and water footprint of industrial agriculture. However, SCP may also be produced entirely independent of agricultural waste products through autotraphic growth.
Because of the high diversity of microbial metabolism, autotrophic SCP provides several different modes of growth and also options of nutrient recycling and substantially increased efficiency compared to crops.
Listed below is a table of single-cell protein production microorganisms that are used widely-
Production of Single Cell Protein:
Single-cell proteins develop when microbes ferment waste materials including wood, straw, cannery, and food-processing wastes, residues from alcohol production, hydrocarbons, or human and animal excreta.
Advantages of Single Cell Protein:
The primary advantage of SCP production is the quantity of protein produced. By providing appropriate conditions, microbial culture can create a high amount of protein.
Microorganisms have a much faster growth rate. Under optimum conditions, these microorganisms can generate a large amount of biomass. Some microbes can double their bulk in 30 minutes.
The quantity and quality of protein generated from these bacteria are superior to that of other animals and plants.
Microbes are easy to manipulate genetically. As a result, diverse amino acid compositions can be observed.
Waste products can be employed as a substrate in the creation of SCPs. This also helps to reduce pollution.
The fermentation procedures, as well as the culture conditions, are both simple.
The generation of microorganisms is not affected by environmental factors.
Disadvantages of Single Cell Protein:
Single-cell protein has the following disadvantages for human consumption:
SPC ingestion may be detrimental to humans due to the limited capacity of decomposing nucleic acid. These microorganisms contain 5-15 percent nucleic acid, which can be harmful to humans. It has the potential to induce serious gastrointestinal problems.
SCP can potentially produce allergic reactions in people who have a delicate digestive system or whose bodies fail to recognize the biomass.
A high nucleic acid concentration might also cause an increase in uric acid levels in the blood.
Consumption of single-cell protein regularly can result in gout and kidney stones.
Following intake, some people may experience cutaneous reactions.
Finally, due to the need for high-end machinery, the production cost may be higher.
Application of Single Cell Protein:
Obesity, stress, weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can all be controlled with this therapeutic and pharmaceutical use.
Application for hair and skin care products.
Malnourished people can benefit from a protein supplement.
A convenient feeding source for poultry, fisheries, and animal farms.
FAQs on Single Cell Protein
1. What is a single-cell protein?
Single-cell protein is the refined form of protein extracted from microbes that are cultured under ideal conditions.
2. What are the protein and nucleic acid composition in fungi and yeast?
Fungi – 30-45% protein and 7-10% nucleic acid.
Yeast – 45-55% protein and 6-12% nucleic acid.
3. What are the components of SCP?
Besides protein, SCP contains fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals.
4. What is the use of single-cell protein?
Following are the use of single-cell protein:
It is used as a protein supplemented diet, providing supplements for malnourished children and aiding in the reduction of the problem of hidden hunger.
Used as a nutritious meal - It aids in the reduction and regulation of blood sugar levels in diabetics, promotes healthy skin and eyes, and reduces bad cholesterol deposition and therefore obesity.
It is utilized in cosmetics to keep hair healthy and is found in many herbal beauty items such as bio lipsticks and herbal face creams.
Used in chicken and cattle feed. The yeast protein is the only SCP product allowed for human consumption, with the remainder of the SCP being suitable for animal feed. It is mostly used to feed cattle, birds, and fish, and is a good source of protein and other nutrients.
SCP contains a high protein composition of approximately 60–80 percent carbs, low fats, vitamins.
5. What is the meaning of a single cell protein and its significance?
Single-cell protein is the large quantities of biomass produced by culturing a single type of cells or microorganisms that serve as food especially rich in protein fats carbohydrates minerals and vitamins. It reduces pressure on the agricultural production system for the supply of protein requirements.
6. How do single cells make proteins?
The production of single-cell protein takes place in the fermentation process. This is done by selected strains of microorganisms in the technical cultivation process directed to the growth of the culture and the cell mass followed by separation processes.
7. What are the sources of Single Cell Protein?
Single-cell protein (SCP) is a bulk of dried cells that can also be called as bioprotein, microbial protein, or biomass. SCP is produced by the microorganisms such as algae, yeast, fungi, and bacteria, however, fungi and bacteria are the major producers of this protein.
8. Is Single Cell Protein safe?
The use of microalgae-based SCP for food and feed has some safety hazards including toxins, nucleic acids, allergens, and indigestible fibers. This is because of the high quality and nutrition value of SCP, its application at a large scale and potential to replace conventional protein sources is still questionable.
