Microbial Protein Production

During the past decade, numerous processes have been developed for producing cells of microorganisms for use as protein sources in human food or animal feed. This paper will consider the raw materials and microbes suitable for producing single-cell proteins (SCP) and the factors affecting their use. The discussion will include photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic microorganisms--algae, bacteria, actinomycetes, yeasts, molds, and higher fungi-and raw materials for growth such as hydrocarbons and petrochemicals; agricultural, industrial, and forest products; and food-processing wastes. The emphasis will be on the processes that have been operated on a pilot-plant or commercial scale.1