Single Cell Protein is considered one of the most asked concept.
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Single Cell Protein
Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to the microbial cells or total protein extracted from pure microbial cell culture (monoculture) which can be used as protein supplement for humans or animals.
Besides high protein content (about 60-80% of dry cell weight), SCP also contains fats, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins and minerals.
Another advantage with SCP is that it is rich in certain essential amino acids (lysine, methionine) which are usually limited in most plant and animal foods.
Thus, SCP is of high nutritional value for human or animal consumption.
If the SCP is suitable for human consumption, it is considered as food grade.
SCP is regarded as feed grade, when it is used as animal feed supplement, but not suitable for human consumption.
Microbes are being grown on an industrial scale as a source of good protein.
Microbes like Spirulina can be grown easily on materials like waste water from potato processing plants (containing starch), straw, molasses, animal manure and even sewage, to produce large quantities and can serve as food rich in protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrate and vitamins.
It has been calculated that a 250 Kg cow produces 200 g of protein per day.
In the same period, 250g of a microorganism like Methylophilus methylotrophus, because of its high rate of biomass production and growth, can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of protein.