Single cell protein (SCP) is microbial biomass or protein extracts that can be used as a protein supplement for humans or animals. SCP has a high protein content, including essential amino acids. Producing SCP from microorganisms has several advantages over traditional protein sources, as microbes can produce large amounts of protein very efficiently. However, SCP faces limitations for human consumption due to potentially high nucleic acid content, contamination risks, and digestion issues. Further research is needed to improve the safety, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of SCP for food applications.

1. SINGLE CELL PROTEIN
SUDHARSAN T
1ST M.PHARM
[PHARMACOGNOSY]

2. CONTENT
 INTRODUCTION
 SCP BRIEF
 ADVANTAGES
 ADVANTAGES OF USING MICROORGANISMS FOR SCP PRODUCTION
 SAFETY, ACCEPTABILITY AND TOXICOLOGY
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3. INTRODUCTION
 Single cell protein (SCP) is the microbial cell or
total protein extracted from monoculture (pure
microbial cell culture) which can used as protein
supplement for humans or animals.
 Since most of the microorganisms grow as
single or filamentous individuals. This is in
contrast to complete multicellular plants and
animals.
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4. SCP BRIEF
 SCP is regarded as feed grade when it is used as
animal feed supplement, but not suitable for human
consumption (not food grade)
 It is refers to the microbial biomass or protein
extracts used as food or feed additive.
 It has high protein content (about 60-80% of dry
cell weight), SCP also contain fats, carbohydrates,
nucleic acid, vitamins and minerals.
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5. ADVANTAGES
 It is rich in essential amino acids (lysine, methionine
which are limiting in most plant and animal foods.
 SCP also contain high nutritional value for human or
animal consumption.
 About 25% of the world’s malnutrition. Most of the
people live in developing countries. In that SCP plays
major role in feed or food supplement.
 In addition to utility as a nutritional supplement, SCP can
also be used for the isolation of several compounds.
 Eg: carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals.
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6. ADVANTAGES OF USING
MICROORGANISMS FOR SCP PRODUCTION
 When 250kg of cow can produce 200g of protein per day.
As from other side 250g of microorganisms, theoretically
when grown under ideal conditions, could produce about
20-25 tonnes of protein.
 Some microbes double their mass in less than 30 mins.
 Quality and quantity of protein content is higher.
 Culture conditions and fermentation are very simple.
 Easily handled and subjected to genetic manipulations.
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8. SAFETY, ACCEPTABILITY AND
TOXICOLOGY
 When SCP is considered for human consumption, there are
several limitations.
 Nucleic acid content of microbial biomass is very high (4-6%
algae; 10-15% bacteria; 5-10% yeast). This is highly
hazardous, since humans have a limited capacity to degrade
nucleic acid.
 Carcinogenic and toxic substances are often observed with
SCP including HCs, heavy metals, etc based on the nature of
raw materials used.
 Contamination by pathogenic microbes is possible.
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9.  Food grade production of SCP is more expensive than other sources of proteins. e.g. soy meal,
which mainly depend on the cost of raw materials.
 Digestion of microbial cells can be slow due to indigestion as well as allergic reaction in
individuals.
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