Are you ready to eat an protein extracted from microorganisms? Have you heard about Pekilo,quorn?

We always think about meats,eggs and vegetables when we want protein rich foods. The quality and quantity of protein content in microorganisms is better compared to higher plants and animals.

 

 IT IS SINGLE-CELL PROTEINS !!

Single cell proteins broadly refers to the microbial biomass or protein extract used as food or feed additive. 

It is the total protein extracted from pure microbial culture (monoculture) which can be used as protein supplement for humans or animals. It is regarded as feed grade,when it is used as animal feed supplements.

Besides high protein content (60-80% of dry cell weight ) SCP also contains fats,carbohydrates, nucleic acids,vitamins and minerals.

It is rich in certain essential amino acids (lysine,methionine) which are usually limiting in most plant and animal foods.

SCP is of high nutritional value for human or animal consumption.

ADVANTAGES OF USING MICROORGANISMS FOR SCP PRODUCTION

     
The protein producing capabilities of a 250 kg cow and 250 g of microorganisms are often compared. The cow can produce about 200 g protein per day. On the other hand, microorganisms theoretically,when grown under ideal conditions, could produce about 20-25 tonnes of protein. 

1.  Microrganisms grow at a very rapid rate under optimal conditions.some microbes double their mass inless than 30 minutes.
2.  A wide range of raw materials, which are otherwise wasted, can be fruitfully used for SCP production.
3. The culture conditions and the fermentation process are very simple.
4. Microorganisms can be easily handled, and subjected to genetic manipulations.

So what is Pekilo and quorn? Lets see

Pekilo

A  SCP  produced from a filamentous fungi, Paecilomyces variotii.

It was produced by fermentation of wastes such as molasses, whey, sulphite liquor and agricultural wastes.

Pekilo was rich in proteins,vitamins and minerals.

It is used as animal feed for claves, pigs,chickens and hens without any adverse affects.

It is unfortunate that the production of pekilo has been discontinued at most places due to economic and commercial considerations.

Quorn

It is a mycoprotein produced from the fungus Fusarium graminearum.

Quorn is the trade name for Fusarium mycoprotein produced in Britain by Marlow foods (ICI in association with Bank-Hovis-McDougall)

Reduction in RNA content is desirable to make the product acceptable for human consumption.This is because human have a very limited capacity to digest nucleic acids.

Besides being rich in essential nutrients, mycoproteins has a good content of dietary fibre.

There are several advantages of fiber consumption prevents constipation, decreases intestinal cancers, improves glucose tolerance and reduces serum cholestrol.

Limitations for use of SCP 

  It is desirable to first consider the safety, acceptability and toxicology of SCP, particularly when it is considered for human consumption. 

1. High nucleic acid content- humans have limited capacity to degrade nucleic acids. 
2. Presence of carcinogenic and other toxic substances due to the nature and production of these compounds depends on raw materials,and the type og organism used.
3. Possiblity of contamination of pathogenic microorganisms.
4. Digestion of SCP is slow, associated with indigeation and allergic reactions in individuals.

However, countries like Japan, Britain, Italy continue their efforts to produce SCP from cheap raw materials such as organic wastes. 

REFERENCES:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paecilomyces_variotii

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/single-cell-protein

http://biomaster2011.blogspot.in/2011/03/use-of-filamentous-fungus-as-single.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0377840177900177

https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ajft.2011.103.116