Question

Write a note on single cell protein.

Answer 1

Single cell protein is a protein extracted from the pure or mixed culture of organism or cells such as algae, bacteria etc. It is used as a food supplement to humans and animals. It is produced by the microorganism which has 30-70% of protein content in its dry mass. There are many organisms which are sued for the production of single cell protein:

Alage: Chlorella, Spirulina and Chlamydomonas.

Fungi: Agaricus campestris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Volvariella.

Uses of SCP: SCP can be used as a food supplement to humans (food grade) or animals (feed grade). It has application in animal nutrition as fattening calves, poultry and fish breeding. In food, it is used as aroma carrier, vitamin carrier, emulsifying agent and to improve nutrition value of baked products, soups, in ready to serve meals and in the technical field in paper processing, leather processing and as foam stabilisers.