Single Cell Protein (SCP)

Single Cell Protein is the microbial biomass obtained from bacteria, yeasts, fungi or algae and used as a source of protein for human food or animal feed.

• Meaning — SCP is a crude or refined edible protein extracted from pure microbial cultures or dead/dried cell biomass. Its importance was first realised during World War I.
• Microorganisms Used — Fungi: Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride. Yeast: S. cerevisiae, Candida utilis. Algae: Spirulina, Chlorella. Bacteria: Methylophilus methylotrophus, Bacillus megasterium.
• Substrates Used — Microbes are grown on cheap/waste materials like sawdust, corn cobs, sugarcane molasses, agricultural waste, and even human & animal wastes.
• Nutritional Value — SCP contains 43–85% protein, vitamins (esp. Vitamin B complex), minerals, amino acids & fats. Used as a supplement in human and animal feed.
• Advantages — Fast multiplication of microbes → large biomass quickly. Can be genetically modified | Reduces pollution by using waste as substrate. Solves protein malnutrition.