Single Cell Protein – A Review

Author(s)

Srividya, A. R., Vishnuvarthan, V. J., Murugappan, M., Dahake, P. G.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

The term ‘single cell protein’ was coined in 1968 at a meeting held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to replace the less aesthetic ‘microbial protein’ and ‘petroprotein’ which were the terms originally used.  Use of microbes as a food source may appear to be unacceptable to some people but the idea of consumption of microbes as food for man and animals is certainly innovative to solve the global food problem. Single cell protein (SCP) has many applications in food and feed industries The microorganisms which can be used as SCP include a variety of bacteria, marine microalgae, yeasts and molds Production of SCP using cheap materials as substrate provides an economically feasible source of protein for use in animal feed or the processing of products for human consumption, as it often meets dietary requirements for protein. Many microorganisms have been used to convert various substrates into biomass SCP production technologies arose as a promising way to solve the problem of worldwide protein shortage. They evolved as bioconversion processes which turned low-value by-products into products with added nutritional and market value and since SCP belongs to one of the cheapest protein products in the market, its production is profitable.

Keywords

Single cell protein, Applications, Uses, Fermentation, Bacillus subtilis

Cite This Article

Srividya, A. R., Vishnuvarthan, V. J., Murugappan, M., & Dahake, P. G. (2013). Single Cell Protein- A Review. International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 2(4), 472-485.