Single cell proteins are unicellular micro-organisms that can be produced through the process of autotrophic growth. Despite the rising popularity of veganism/vegetarianism, there is still huge demand for meat and dairy products in all countries. However, this is a time where we are thinking a lot more about sustainability. These demands must be met with the environment in mind. In order for the meat and dairy industry to thrive, they must find a more sustainable alternative to traditional feed – one that will work just as well to strengthen these farm animals, but will not take such a toll on the environment. This is where single cell proteins can be extremely useful.
What are single cell proteins | Types of single cell proteins | Single cell protein production
Single cell proteins application | Single cell proteins for animal feed
What Are Single Cell Proteins?
When we discuss single cell proteins, we are generally referring to edible unicellular microorganisms. They can then be used as an ingredient within protein-rich foods or substitute other common ingredients we rely on currently. Single cell proteins are used in both animal and human diets and are becoming more commonly discussed for their nutritional benefits. SCP uses agricultural waste products but could also be produced without these via autotrophic growing processes. They are known for minimizing land use in the production process while still producing protein-rich foods.
Types Of Single Cell Protein
There are a few different varieties of these organisms. Here are some examples.
Fungi
The dried biomass of some fungi is consumed by both animals and humans. You’ll often hear fungal biomass referred to as fungal protein or mycoprotein, and there are many benefits of growing and consuming this single cell protein. Fungi grow at a rapid rate, so they can quickly offer us an excellent source of protein. On top of that, they are grown with cheap raw materials and have lower amounts of nucleic acids in their composition. For humans, these proteins are easy to digest, and our bodies accept them well in most situations.
Algae
Common examples of algae as a single cell protein include chlorella and spirulina. We consider a protein to be complete when it has all of the essential amino acids our bodies need, and spirulina is a great example of a complete protein. It’s easy for the body to digest and assimilate and has no cellulose within the cell walls. Algae is generally grown using an autotrophic growth process, with a heavy reliance on light energy and carbon dioxide to grow and thrive. As well as delivering all of the essential amino acids our bodies need, it’s also a good alternative source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Instead of relying on fish for this purpose, algae is likely to be used in the future for this reason. It also helps to prevent diseases and promote healthy skin for anyone who increases their consumption of this SCP.
Bacteria
While not all types of bacteria are suitable for use in this manner, when discussing SCPs, we are referring to the edible ones. They can be used within animal feed or human consumption due to their protein-rich composition. Instead of requiring the high-water footprint and high land use that industrial agriculture is so well known for, you’ll find that bacteria reduces the impact on the environment.
Bacteria are considered an SCP as they don’t have a membrane-bound nucleus. They generally have a single circular bacterial chromosome, which is located within the cytoplasm. Bacteria also contain ribosomes, which help to produce protein. Bacterial SCP offers high production rates, however, at this current time, there is still low familiarity with this type of SCP. Processing costs are still higher than is desirable, but over time, we hope they will reduce as we learn more about the importance of SCP within human nutrition.
Single Cell Protein Production
For the production of single cell novel proteins to take place and for the micro-organisms to grow, the microbes of an existing protein must penetrate the growth environment. As the microbes ferment within these environments, SCPs are produced. The rate and speed at which this will happen tends to vary depending on the type of SCP being produced and the growth environment. These proteins can then be obtained from the waste material and used in many different ways. SCP production is not an easy process, but it is a process that many experts are streamlining to make SCPs more useful and accessible.
Single Cell Proteins Application
SCPs have many uses in the modern age. Some variants of SCP have found their main applications within the human world. Particularly the proteins produced by algae and fungi. The SCPs formed by algae and bacteria have been used in the manufacturing of dietary supplements. As for fungi, this single cell protein remains a super-ingredient for the manufacturers of meat alternatives. Mycoprotein forming the basis for many vegan/vegetarian food products on the market today. However, while there are many single cell protein uses, one single cell protein application stands out, as it looks to revolutionise the agricultural industry and solve some long-standing problems – application for animal feed.
Single Cell Proteins For Animal Feed
The most beneficial use for SCP is the application of these micro-organisms in the production of animal feed. Thanks to their high-protein content and fast growth rate, single cell proteins form the basis for an incredibly effective animal feed – nutritionally beneficial to the animals, yet manufactured sustainably. Animal feed produced with these unicellular proteins is used most commonly with livestock. As the feed needed to nourish a herd of cows must be manufactured sustainably if we are to meet the demands for meat and dairy without further detriment to the environment. The application of SCP within the animal feed industry presents an excellent, reliable solution to the very real problem of unsustainable animal feed sources. A problem which could collapse the meat and dairy industry if not for the clever applications of single cell proteins.
Single cell proteins are still on an early stage
The use of SCPs in animal feed is still very much in its early days. It’s clear that this is an innovation which has worked to revolutionize the way the farming industry runs and to solve one of animal agriculture’s most worrying problems. SCPs have many applications across many different industries. They are sure to grow even further over the next few years, thanks to continued research. However, it’s perhaps the role of single cell proteins within animal feed which has had the most impact.
