Single Cell Protein is the dried cells of microorganisms consumed as a protein supplement by humans or animals.

Autor: Georgii Feodoridi

Place: HYDITEX CORPORATION, ...

Date: ... 2025

Abstract: In the last few decades, the world has been facing food shortage for the ever increasing world population. To solve this problem, various biotechnological methods have been developed to produce alternative food protein of non-animal origin. The alternative protein is suitable for human and animal consumption and exactly mimics the properties of conventional protein.

There are several ways to produce alternative food protein, among which it is worth highlighting the protein produced by microorganisms that feed on hydrocarbons, this protein is also called single-cell protein (SCP). The advantages of this method of protein production are enormous: it is an environmentally friendly product, its production does not require large areas and does not depend on climatic conditions, microorganisms can be grown all year round, which eliminates problems with storage and spoilage of the product. According to some data, the share of protein in microbial biomass is about 70%, its composition of amino acids is close to milk, it is enriched with vitamins and microelements, easily and completely digested.

In this article we have considered microorganisms that use methane as a carbon source. Methane as a carbon source has a number of advantages, such as large reserves of natural gas, good transportability, and the possibility of obtaining a finished product without additional purification from the substrate.

The protein produced from methane is also called Bioprotein or Gaprin. This paper also gives an overview of the different sources of methane that can be used for protein production such as associated petroleum gas, coal mine methane and biogas.

Key Words: Protein production, Protein, Single-cell protein (SCP), Bioprotein, Natural gas, Methane, Microorganisms, Bacteria

DOI: ...

Production of food protein by microorganisms from methane.

Bioprotein

The project is under development