Protein, Single-cell

Name:
Protein, Single-cell
Detailed information:
(SCP).A protein nutrient derived from bacteria or yeast by hydrocarbon fermentation or from fungi by fermentation on food-plant waste. A process developed in West Germany during the 1970s utilizes the bacterium Methylomanas clara cultured in a mixture of methanol, ammonia, water, and air. The continuous fermentation process is followed by dewatering and spray drying. The product contains 70% protein, 10% nucleic acids, 8% fats, and 7% minerals; in this form it is suitable for animal feeds. A purified type (90% protein) is made by dissolving the product in an ammonia-methanol mixture, followed by filtration to remove the fats, and then water-washing to extract the nucleic acids. The product may prove to be satisfactory for use in human foods. The presence of nucleic acids is undesirable, because they may lead to metabolic disorders such as gout. Commercial production awaits further testing.